History of the Iris Festival

.  

Photos courtesy of The Sumter Item.

The Sumter Iris Festival in South Carolina began in 1940 after the blooming of Japanese irises in a pond on the northern side of Liberty Street. The pond was originally a private fishing lake for businessman Hamilton Carr Bland, who started landscaping the garden with the irises in 1927. When the irises failed to bloom, Bland ordered his gardener to dig them up and throw them in the lake, but they bloomed again the following spring and caught the attention of locals. 

The festival was originally called "Iris Week" and is held at Swan Lake Iris Gardens, a 150-acre park that's home to more than 120 varieties of iris, as well as other seasonal flowers and wildlife.

The City created a volunteer commission that helps plan and organize the annual event. The Commission is appointed by the City Council and County Council from representatives across the Sumter community. The Iris Festival Commission, Inc. is now a 501(c)(3) organization that celebrates and promotes the beauty of Japanese irises while fostering community engagement and cultural enrichment. The festival aims to highlight the region’s horticultural heritage, offer educational opportunities, and create a vibrant, inclusive event that brings together residents and visitors to enjoy a shared appreciation for gardening, artistry, and family-friendly activities.

In addition to the commission, the City accepts volunteers and partners to help enhance the festival's mission. For more information, contact the Sumter Visitors Center or email [email protected].