The town of Irmo has a lot to brag about.

It is frequently labeled the “Gateway to Lake Murray,” with its close proximity to the popular boating and fishing site.

The lake spans four counties and features state parks, excellent fishing, water activities, boating and entertainment events.

In recent years the town has earned recognition as one of the “safest” cities in South Carolina and the 12th “Most Affordable” place to live in the country.

With more than 13,000 residents, Irmo is located in what many education leaders say is one of the best school districts in the state, Lexington-Richland School District 5.

District leaders recently shared a message of pride about Irmo at a gathering celebrating the construction of a new wing at Irmo High School.

Board Chairwoman Jan Hammond described the school as the “flagship” of District 5.

Irmo Mayor Barry Walker Sr. said he often refers to Irmo High as “the University of Irmo.”

Irmo also offers outdoor activity at nearby Harbison State Forest, which stretches along the Broad River, and Saluda Shoals Park, which offers a variety of activities throughout the year.

Small businesses thrive in the Irmo area. Although there is no downtown area, the town has several clusters of suburban neighborhoods and commercial areas. The town is known for shopping areas in Harbison, which includes Columbiana Centre mall.

Cynthia Giles, chairwoman of the Greater Irmo Chamber of Commerce, said the town’s small businesses are doing well because of the “family” environment fostered by the various business leaders. She also uses the word “family” to describe the Irmo community.

She further cited Irmo’s parks as a major attraction.

Irmo has its own geographical identity. Its boundaries spread into both Richland and Lexington counties.

And there’s the Okra Strut.

The popular festival had its beginnings nearly 50 years ago as a fundraiser by the Lake Murray-Irmo Women’s Club to raise money for a new library. Today, sponsors say it is the largest and longest-running celebration of okra in the U.S.

The celebration offers a parade, musical entertainment, carnival rides, arts and crafts vendors, children’s activities and most importantly, okra servings and an okra eating contest.

The 48th festival is coming up Sept. 23 and 24 at Irmo Community Park. It’s free to the public.

Irmo Town Council has recently undertaken efforts to add more community events, and a lot more outdoor activities could soon be coming to the town’s parks and streets.

A special meeting was held recently for local residents to offer their own   recommendations for community events in the town.

Suggestions were made for various activities: Why not have a rib cookout or set up a pumpkin patch?

Walking and running events are always popular, participants noted, and could likely be sponsored by local athletic businesses.

Larry Watts, vice president of the Irmo-based Hybrid Engineering Co., said the amphitheater stage in the Community Park of Irmo could be used by music artists for a songwriter spotlight. Irmo could look into any kind  of music events, such as a jazz festival or a blues festival.

It was also pointed out that the park could be used for gospel music and even for community church services.