By CAROLINE KLAPPER
Index-Journal staff writer

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Festival of Flowers and it’s a first for a new opening event, Gala in the Garden.

“We want to have the community come out and celebrate the beginning of summer with this garden gala,” said Kathryn Smith, the event’s chairwoman. “They can come out and enjoy friends, food and music and support the Festival of Flowers.”

Lander University President Dan Ball and his wife Marjorie are hosting the event at their home 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, where guests will enjoy beautiful gardens, live music by the Hebe Gee Bees, heavy hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction and a wine tasting.

The wine tasting will be held by Republic National Distributing. Guest will taste six wines: Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Meritage, Pinot Grigio, Viognier and a Chardonnay. Tasters will receive a commemorative wine glass with the Festival of Flowers logo on it and a bottle of wine to take home.

The silent auction features planters donated by local nurseries, florists and landscapers.

“They are abundantly planted with gorgeous overflowing plants,” Smith said.

Proceeds from the auction go toward future Festival of Flowers events. Visit www.scfestivalofflowers.org for information.

Garden gala tickets are $50 per person and can be purchased at Greenwood Arts Council, Greenwood Area Chamber of Commerce and Uptown Bath & Kitchen.

Smith said she hopes the gala is a successful and enjoyable event.

“It’s the kick-off of the festival and we hope to continue this as a kick-off next year,” she said.