FLORENCE, SC (WBTW) – The Pee Dee Farmers Market is getting in full spring mode for its spring plant and flower festival.

The festival is sponsored each year by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture.

Organizers say people from across the state have enjoyed it since it started back in 1985.

The festival is an ideal place to get useful products and helpful information on many topics of interest to gardeners and homeowners.

An even bigger turn out is expected this year because more plants and more vendors will be at the event.

The owner of Wilson Farms says he’s participated in the market for almost 20 years and though getting ready for the festival takes a lot of time he looks forward to it each year.

“We’ve been getting prepared for several days now and we’re still getting ready. We have to work long hours to get it done or whatever it takes to get it done, we’ll have it done,” said Ivory Lee Williams.

Along with thousands of attendees there will be a variety of spring plants and flowers, as well as all the equipment needed for lawns and gardens.

The owner of Wolfe Gardens vendor say what is rewarding is that the festival gives them the opportunity give back to the community.

“You’re helping growers in Timmonsville, your helping growers in Lamar, your helping growers in Florence…everything just about came from local growers, so were keeping the money in the community, which is a good thing,” mentioned Debbie Wolfe.

The four-day festival begins at 8 a.m. and runs until 6 p.m. on Thursday through Saturday and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday.