Okra Strut Volunteer FAQ:
1: Date and Times of Okra Strut?
Friday September 29th 2023 starting around 6pm. We will have live musical performances, amusement rides, food and drinks. Ride-All-Night wristbands for $15 are back by popular demand. Ride all the rides you want for a price you cannot beat! Lastly 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. As an added bonus, again 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. Check back soon for our main stage musical line up for 2023!
Saturday September 30th 2023. The 49th Annual Irmo Okra Strut Parade will be held around 9am. The Grand Marshals will be announced soon! The parade will be located on St. Andrews RD, between Wescott Rd. and Lake Murray BLVD.
Saturday after the parade starting around 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 participate. 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 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. The 2022 headlining musical acts will be announced soon, check back! Enjoy dinner Under The Canopy again, 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 Elementary School Address: 7401 Gibbes St, Irmo, SC 29063
- Union United Methodist Church Address: 7582 Woodrow St, Irmo, SC 29063
- Irmo Community Park: 7473 Church St. Irmo SC 29063
Onsite parking. Entrance cost $20.00 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. Free shuttle is still running from our two other parking locations. Handicap bus is now picking up from Union United Church
Shuttle Buses will be at each location every 20 mins for pick up and drop off.
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 entire festival entering into park from Lake Murray, Mosley Street is one-way exiting from park.
3: How do I check in?
Check in at the Strut
First 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!