Okra Strut Volunteer FAQ:
1: Date and Times of Okra Strut?
Friday September, 29th, 2023 starting at 6pm. We will have live musical performances, amusement rides, food and drinks. We are excited to announce “Under The Canopy” will be back! Ready just in time for Friday at the Strut! Under the trees just beyond the stage we will have tables decorated for a nice dinner, with twinkling lights just over head. You will have a view of the stage in the distance and hear the music at the perfect level for a dinner conversation. This year all food vendors will be serving until 11pm and they will be offering your favorites right next to local artists and craft vendors.
Saturday September, 30th, 2023. The 49th Annual Irmo Okra Strut Parade will be held at 9am. The Grand Marshal for this year’s parade is Irmo High School’s Coach Whipple. The parade will be located on St. Andrews Rd, between Wescott Rd. and Lake Murray Blvd.
Saturday starting at 10am the Okra Strut festivities will begin in the Irmo Community Park. There will be dozens of vendors and exhibitors for you to stop by and visit. Many will have games or free samples as well as items for purchase. Under The Canopy will be another fun spot on Saturday with free crafting activities throughout the day for children! Or enjoy some shopping of the local artists for those early holiday presents.
The amusement rides will be up and running and we will have attractions on the big stage all day. These attractions include local performances, Okra Eating Contests and lots more. Enjoy dinner Under The Canopy, a great date night for those who love great music and delicious food.
2: Parking and Road Closures
Parking
We heard your complaints and want to make parking easier this year. Parking will be at the following locations:
- Irmo Wellness Center Address: 7182 Woodrow St, Irmo, SC 29063
- Union United Methodist Church Address: 7582 Woodrow St, Irmo, SC 29063
Free shuttle is running from these two parking locations. Handicap bus is will be picking up from Imro Wellness Center. Shuttle Buses will be at each location every 20 mins for pick up and drop off. - Irmo Community Park: 7473 Church St. Irmo SC 29063
Onsite parking. Entrance cost $10.00 cash only open Friday 9/29 from 5:30PM to 11:00PM; Saturday open from 9:00AM to 10:00PM. No overnight parking. All cars must be removed at end of each day. Subject to ticket and/or towing. No in and out privileges.
Road Closures
The South Carolina Department of Transportation has approved the following roads to be closed for the 2023 Okra Strut:
Friday Sept. 29th: ***FESTIVAL***
- *Eastview Dr. (between Battery Rd. & Lake Murray Blvd.) 12pm UNTIL 11:30pm
Saturday Sept. 30th: ***PARADE***
The following roads will close at 8:50am, and the parade will start at 9am from Crossroads Middle:
- *St. Andrews Rd. (between Wescott Rd. & Lake Murray Blvd.)
- *Gibbes St. (Entire street)
- *Lexington Ave. (between Gibbes St. & Lake Murray Blvd.)
***FESTIVAL***
- *Eastview Dr. (between Battery Rd. & Lake Murray Blvd.) 6am UNTIL 11:30pm
- Church Street is one-way the entire festival exiting the park to Lake Murray Blvd, Moseley Avenue is one-way entering the paid parking lot.
3: How do I check in?
Check in at the Strut
When you arrive at the Okra Strut please check in at the information tent. At check in each volunteer will receive:
- Bottle(s) of water
- 1 meal ticket
- 1 T-shirt
You will then receive further instructions and directions on where to go.
4: How do I end my shift?
At the end of your shift you are required to check out with the information tent. They will mark your time and collect any needed tools like clipboards, pens, golf cart keys and more.
5: Do minors need an adult with them?
If you have youth volunteers, we require 1 adult for each youth to ensure the safety of the youth. If you need confirmation of your volunteer hours please bring your form with you so the information booth can sign for you.
Follow The Okra Strut And Don’t Miss A Thing!
With so much packed into two days, you may want to follow us on Facebook so you can see all the great things we have for you to experience!