Keizer Iris Festival is Filled with Flowers, Family and Fun

Each spring, Mother Nature blankets Oregon's fertile Willamette Valley with hundreds of acres of living color - first with daffodils, then tulips - in hues that rival the rainbow. The regal iris makes its annual debut in May. In honor of the peak bloom season, area growers-and especially the city of Keizer-celebrate the iris with many special events and activities. Don't miss the Keizer Iris Festival-a springtime tradition of flowers, family and fun!

Keizer, Oregon is the self-proclaimed "Iris Capital of the World" and celebrates the iris in a big way. Although special events occur throughout the entire month of May, the main Iris Festival is four days of family fun-May 14-17. The annual festival includes carnival rides, lots of music and dancing, food booths, exhibits, an art show, local crafts vendors, running and walking competitions, and the big event-the Iris Festival parade on Saturday, May 16. This year's theme "On the Move" will be portrayed by colorful floats, lively marching bands, talented youth performers, proud equestrians, shiny classic cars, and much more. Thousands of spectators line River Road each year, so come early to claim your curbside seat.

Other than the parade, most of the festivities take place at a new location this year- Keizer Station. Join the community in the Keizerfest Tent at Keizer Station on May 15 for the traditional Kick-Off Party. A delicious chicken BBQ dinner is followed by contests for the kids, music, and much more. The Keizer Station Fun Center offers all the merriment you'd expect from a carnival midway. Whether you're a kid or just a kid at heart, try your skill at the games or take a wild carnival ride. Throughout the festival, two stages will host a variety of bands and other live entertainment. Whether you prefer top forty, country, or retro, come listen to music, dance, and enjoy your favorite beer and wine (21 and over in the Keizerfest Tent after 9:00 pm).

While in Keizer, visit nearby Schreiner's Iris Gardens. Established in 1925 and encompassing 200 acres, Schreiner's is the nation's largest retail grower of bearded iris. Stroll through their fantastic 10-acre display garden, which also makes a lovely backdrop for family photos. Benches and tables are provided for picnics, but come early because it's a popular place-especially for tripod-toting photographers. Gardeners won't want to miss peeking in Schreiner's gift shop for unique treasures, and green thumbs can order rhizomes direct from the grower. Take home a selection of potted spring flowers and cut iris, too.

Although the iris fields are normally closed to the public, for one day only-Sunday, May 17-volksmarchers can take a 10k trek through the fields for a close-up look at thousands of rows of beautiful flowers. In Greek mythology, Iris is the goddess of the rainbow, so it's only natural that iris bloom in so many gorgeous shades-from deepest black to pure white, blazing reds, brilliant blues, gleaming coppers, velvety purples and every hue in between! Their names are just as colorful- Supreme Sultan, Rosalie Figge, Voltage, Blueberry Parfait. Wouldn't you love the fun job of naming new varieties as they are developed?!

For a complete list of Keizer Iris Festival events and activities during the month of May, visit http://www.irisfestival.com