Summerville gets ready for 52nd annual Flowertown Festival

SUMMERVILLE, S.C. (WCBD) — Summerville’s 52nd annual Flowertown Festival kicks off Friday at 9 a.m.

The Summerville Family YMCA spends the entire year preparing to put on the town’s biggest event.

“We spend an entire year, the ladies on our staff are constantly working to make sure we have fantastic festivals every year,” said Joe Debney, the CEO of the Summerville Family YMCA.

The festival brings in around 250,000 people throughout the weekend, a mix of locals and tourists to see all Summerville has to offer.

“We have tons of vendors from all across the country, arts and crafts, local vendors, beautiful downtown Summerville, walking through azalea park you get to see all the flowers so it’s going to be a fantastic weekend,” said Debney.

To help manage the large crowds, the Summerville Police Department will be shutting down roadways and increasing patrols across the area. Their goal is to make sure everyone is able to safely enjoy the festival.

“If you choose to partake in the festival and go out with the crowds, you’re going to notice officers, they’re going to be in uniform, they’ll have their traffic safety vests. We’re there to help and try and solve any issues that come into play,” said Chris Hirsch, the Deputy Chief for Summerville Police.

And with near-record temperatures expected this weekend, they’re reminding everyone to take proper precautions

“Drink water, stay hydrated, it is going to be warm this weekend. Make sure you wear sunscreen, the sun will be out, it will beautiful and again make sure you give yourself extra time. You know that traffic will be bad if you’ve ever been in Summerville during the festival, it’s just a busy time but it’s also a great time and what a way to kick off the spring,” said Hirsch.

Proceeds from the festival go to the Summerville YMCA and help them serve the community throughout the year.