February may have brought a false warm front, but spring is finally blooming with this year’s annual Midlands Plant and Flower Festival held at the State Farmers Market in West Columbia. 

The four-day event gives people an opportunity to shop when their schedule allows. 

The rain-or-shine event is free, with ample parking on site. There are a limited number of wagons available, but people may bring their own.

In addition to a variety of plants and flowers, there will be dozens of vendors selling items including, but not limited to, garden décor, outdoor furniture and other gardening related pieces, said Eva Moore, communications director for the state Department of Agriculture. 

Additionally, the usual vendors that regularly have a spot at the market will have plants or items for purchase in addition to the restaurant also being open to visitors.

Moore said vendors come from all over the state, so people can expect a variety of local plants and unique finds in addition to some spring produce.

The Midlands Plant and Flower festival is one of three festivals the State Farmers Market owns and runs. There is also the Pee Dee Plant and Flower Festival and the Piedmont Plant and Flower Festival, which happens later this month. 

“This is a great way to get excited about the gardening season and come and see the State Farmers Market,” Moore said. 

The festival dates back to the 1990s and continues to be a staple for gardeners and more. 

The State Farmers Market has a history dating back to the Antebellum and post-Civil War era, according to the Richland Library archives. The market had different locations in downtown Columbia before moving to Bluff Road in 1951.

The Department of Agriculture took over the State Farmers Market in 1971. Eventually the market moved to its new home off Charleston Highway, taking its selection of local produce and plants away from downtown Columbia and into rural Lexington County.