Here's your 78th Sumter Iris Festival schedule and map

Blooming flowers, increasing heat and longer, brighter days are the signal in Sumter of the city's most well-known event. It's Sumter's oldest and largest festival. It brings thousands of people from all over the state, nation and world. It has been named one of the "Top 20 Events" by the Southeast Tourism Society and one of the "Top 100 Events in the United States to Visit" by the American Bus Association.

It's the Iris Festival, and it started Thursday with Taste at the Gardens and the crowning of the Iris Festival king and queen.

The festival runs Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

SUNDAY, MAY 27

- Just Kidding Around Children's Area*, Palmetto Amusements, noon-5 p.m., (rides, blow-ups and more)

- Children's Art in the Park, Bland Gardens, noon-5 p.m.

- Open Car Show, Bland side, 1 p.m.

- Mary Hinson Flower Show, "Celebrating the Festivals of South Carolina," Alice Boyle Garden Center, 1-4 p.m.

More info at IrisFestival.org.

All events subject to change or cancellation.

*Note: Children's Area Activities are FREE unless otherwise indicated and will be held in the playground area as well as near the Main Stage with the exception of Children's Art in the Park which is held in Bland Gardens on the north side of West. Liberty Street.