Okra = Yuck

Irmo SC Okra = Yuck

Attention: Anyone who has never tried okra. Consume at your own risk!

I first tried the slimey stuff back in the '70s and knew right away I didn't require a second opinion. But for some reason a few years ago I had a weak moment and tried it again. Bad move. It was just as disgusting.

There seems to be no middle ground with okra....love it or hate it. No one will ever tell you "It's alright".

This Saturday the Irmese of Irmo will kick off the annual Okra Strut, which began as a spoof by a radio DJ in 1973.

Today the festival is managed by the board of commissioners appointed by the Irmo Town Council and are proud to say, "we are the nation's original celebration of Okra." The festival is now a two day event featuring a street dance, parade, arts and crafts, rides and amusements, petting zoo, and lots of festival food. Attendance for the celebration is estimated at 55,000 annually.

Money raised by the festival is put back into the community through civic and school organizations, scholarships and improvements of public areas.

Not bad for a slimey little critter grown in the red clay of Lexington County.