The Orangeburg Festival of Roses began as a vision held by a group of citizens seeking a way to enhance the development of Orangeburg and improve the quality of life for its residents.  As a result of that vision, the first festival was held in 1972.  The Greater Orangeburg Chamber of Commerce was the sole sponsor of that first festival.  At present the City of Orangeburg and the Orangeburg County Chamber of Commerce are co-sponsors of the event. The format has changed over the years, but the basic concept has remained the same - an abundance of beautiful roses, enjoyable activities, and entertainment for the entire family to enjoy.

The Orangeburg County Fine Arts Center, Downtown Orangeburg Revitalization Association, Orangeburg Rotary and Kiwanis Clubs, Orangeburg Distributors and other organizations add their special entertainment and activities to make the 38th Annual Orangeburg Festival of Roses very special.

   The Horne Wetlands Park
A major new theme was added to the gardens in July 1992 with the establishment of the Horne Wetlands Park.  This boardwalk takes the visitor 2,600 feet into a tupelo/cypress wetland that lies between the display garden and the North Fork of the Edisto River.  The fully handicap accessible boardwalk permits the visitors to get an up close look at the plant life and wildlife of a wetlands area as well as the Edisto River.  The park also features a boat dock with a gazebo.