Posted by Bruce Bilmes and Sue Boyle
, September 25, 2008 20:11
About 55,000 people attend the “nation’s original celebration of okra.” 1973 marked the very first Okra Strut in Irmo, SC (not far from Columbia), put on by the local Woman’s Club. The Lake Murray-Irmo Woman’s Club is still the exclusive okra vendor at the festival. They soak it in buttermilk, dredge it in flour, and fry it up.
There’s also a Saturday parade, 10K run, live music, arts and crafts, exhibits, a street dance with Carolina beach music and a shag competition Friday, rides, and a petting zoo. Friday night will see an okra eating contest between the US Navy and the Midlands Public Safety Officers.
