Dresden’s 41st Annual Tennessee Iris Festival Moved To July Due To Coronavirus Pandemic

BY DAVID FISHER

david@dresdenenterprise.com

DRESDEN (April 28) — The 41st annual Tennessee Iris Festival in Dresden, which was originally scheduled for this week — April 25 through May 2, 2020, is rescheduled for July 4 through July 11, 2020, due to the threat of the coronavirus. Beauty pageants are rescheduled for June 12 and 13. The theme of the festival is “Where Kindness Blooms!”

On Tuesday, April 28, Dresden Mayor Jeff Washburn said, “The Iris Festival Executive Board was saddened we had to move the dates, because of the COVID-19 pandemic. This would have been a fantastic week to have the festival. But, for the safety of all citizens, we made that choice. Were looking forward to an exciting week, which will start July 4th with a fantastic celebration at Dresden City Park.”

The mayor stated there will be food and entertainment, including live music and a great fireworks display to close out the evening.

“We want to invite everybody to come out and participate during the Iris Festival, even though there won’t be any iris in bloom,” Mayor Washburn said.

A carnival is planned, providing it can be rescheduled for the Iris Festival’s new dates.

“I think most of the regular events will still be held, although they may be modified,” Mayor Washburn said.

Photos of Iris in bloom throughout Dresden and the area are being posted on the Tennessee Iris Festival Facebook page to highlight the namesake of our festival during this week. Those who have iris flowers in bloom, and would like to share them with others, may email photos of them to cityrecorder@cityofdresden.net and they will be posted on the page for the enjoyment of others.

What began as a community Easter parade in Dresden in 1980 has turned into one of Tennessee’s best-loved small-town festivals. Every spring, Dresden hosts the highly anticipated Tennessee Iris Festival, a weeklong event that paints the town purple.”

For more information, contact Dresden City Hall at 364-2270.

The photo of this beautiful purple iris was submitted by Nancy Thompson of Fuqua Rd., Martin.