Kindness to Bloom for Annual Iris Festival

DRESDEN (April 19) - As springtime blooms in Dresden, the Tennessee Iris Festival marks its 41st anniversary as the town celebrates The Tennessee Iris Festival: Where Kindness Blooms. For more than a week, the citizens of Dresden and visitors from around the country will engage in a host of events to mark this historic anniversary. Each home, each business and each public building brims with untold stories. Family roots run deep, and lasting friendships have been formed among neighbors and classmates for generations. From the excitement of the Opening Ceremonies to the nostalgia of the Cemetery Walk to the pageantry of the Parade, this season of celebration will remind festival-goers of Dresden’s storied past, honor current local servants and highlight the potential of the community’s future.

First launched by the Dresden Business Association in 1980 as an annual community Easter Parade, the Festival has grown into a multi-faceted event with a year-round influence in the heart of Weakley County. Whether showcasing the brightest talents in local art and music, playing host to well-known public figures, or featuring the best of area businesses, the Tennessee Iris Festival has continued to build a growing tradition of excellence spanning four decades. The Tennessee Iris Festival is an iconic fixture of the Dresden community each spring and attracts visitors, attention and commerce that benefits each and everyone.

With this year’s theme, “Where Kindness Blooms,” the Festival celebrates the legacy of kindness that Dresden cherishes. Slated for Saturday, April 24 through May 1, this year’s Festival features something for the young to the young at heart and all in between.

Schedule of Events:

SATURDAY, April 24

• CITY WIDE YARD SALE: Register at Dresden City Hall by (today) April 21; $5 set up fee. Maps at Dresden City Hall.
• POWER WHEELS IN THE PARK: 5 p.m. City Park; Free. Children up to 7 years old.
• OPENING CEREMONIES: 6 p.m. Dresden City Park; Live music featuring the Kimberlie Helton Band. Fireworks Extravaganza at dark. Sponsored by Savant Learning Systems

SUNDAY, April 25

• Cemetery Walk: 4:30 p.m. Sunset Cemetery; Free.

WEDNESDAY, April 28

• Community Wide Gospel Singing: 7 p.m. Dresden First Baptist Church.

THURSDAY, April 29

• Community Health Fair: 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. Weakley County Courthouse block. Free health screenings.
• TRUCKS AND TIARAS: 5 p.m. Dresden Farmers Market; Free.
• DRESDEN HIGH SCHOOL CHORAL CONCERT: 6 p.m. Dresden Farmers Market; Free.

FRIDAY, April 30

• Tennessee Iris Festival Iris and Horticulture Show: Dresden First United Methodist Church; Entries 7:30 - 9:30 a.m.; Judging 9:45 a.m. Public Viewing 1-4 p.m. No Entry Fee.
• Corner Café: 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Dresden First United Methodist Church. Tickets $10/each at the door.
• Music Fest: 6 p.m. Downtown Court Square. Live music, entertainment and food trucks.
• CARNIVAL OPEN: 4-10 p.m. Downtown in front of Poppi’s Pizzeria. Wristbands $10/each.
• ROSS’S WATER BALLS: 4-10 p.m. Downtown in front of Poppi’s Pizzeria. $5/each.

SATURDAY, May 1

• 5K Race, 2 Mile Walk, 1 Mile Kids Fun Run, .25 Mile Tot Run; Races begin at corner of Main and Poplar streets at 8 a.m. 5K & 2 Mile at 7:30 a.m. for Kids Run immediately after for Tot Run. Entry fees in advance or race day. Trophies and medallions awarded.
• Tennessee Iris Festival Parade: 10 a.m. Begins at First Baptist Church and Ending at Simmons Bank. Advanced Registration is required by May 5.
• McWherter Governor’s Breakfast: 8 a.m. Dresden First Baptist Church Family Life Center. Parade Dignitaries Only
• CARNIVAL OPEN: 4-10 p.m. Downtown in front of Poppi’s Pizzeria. Wristbands $10/each.
• ROSS’S WATER BALLS: 4-10 p.m. Downtown in front of Poppi’s Pizzeria. $5/each.
• PETTING ZOO: Downtown behind City Hall