Everything's coming up roses for the 36th annual Orangeburg Festival of Roses, an extended weekend of fun that begins Thursday, May 1.

The festival is expected to draw an estimated 30,000 to 35,000 people to the area to enjoy the sights at Edisto Memorial Gardens and a weekend packed with vendors, food, games, entertainment and family fun.

Making its debut this year is the Edisto rose. The Edisto rose is a red blend miniflora, a miniature variety with petals that vary in color from deep pink to dark red with yellow on the reverse of its petals. The flower is named for the Edisto Memorials Gardens and is featured in a newly developed bed in the Edisto Memorial Gardens.

Michael Williams of Cross Hill was the rose hybridizer. In developing the rose, he wanted to capture the lure of the lush park that borders the north fork of the Edisto River. The Edisto Rose received a 2008 America Rose Society Award of Excellence.

The Edisto rose will be featured on the official 2008 Orangeburg Festival of Roses stamp. The stamp is a collectible item and will be sold with the proceeds going to the Orangeburg Festival of Roses.

There will be something for all ages beginning Thursday night at Stevenson Auditorium with Showcase Orangeburg. The event is a fund-raiser for the Orangeburg Fine Arts Center.

Friday's events begin at noon with an arts and crafts exhibit and sale.

Seniors will have an opportunity to participate in a variety of activities, including bingo, at the Azalea Garden Stage.

The Rose Festival Softball Tournament will begin at 7 p.m. Friday, and at 8 p.m., The Men of Distinction will perform as part of the festival's annual Street Dance in downtown Orangeburg's Memorial Square.

On Saturday, fishing enthusiasts will be able to participate in the Budweiser Basscatchers Tournament, which begins at 6 a.m. and lasts until 3 p.m. More Saturday activities will include airplane rides, children's rides and inflatables, a petting zoo, camel and pony rides, arts and craft shows, plus foot, kayak and canoe and Diaper Derby races.

For those seeking entertainment, The High Steppin' Cloggers, Saidi Belles Belly Dancers, Orangeburg Line Dancers and The Emeralds Band are just a few of the dozens of performers scheduled to appear on various garden stages.

More music, food and entertainment are scheduled for Sunday before the festival ends at 6 p.m.

An all-American selection of roses will once again be on sale, with proceeds going to help support the festival.

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