Spring is traditionally ushered in with the bloom of the Iris. It's many colors begin to wave on regal stems as the sun makes its trek northward, warming the great Central Valley with its rays.

The seemingly infinite hues of the Iris and their varying heights create intriguing patterns, making it a springtime garden favorite. Nearly year round enjoyment has now been ensured by the development of re-blooming varieties.

The Iris is the official flower of Porterville. Long a favorite of local artists, it was depicted in a mosaic placed in the sidewalk along Porterville's Main Street in the early '70s, along with several other mosaics portraying scenes of historical interest.

When the mosaics were removed from the sidewalks in the mid-'90s during a comprehensive streetscape program, each mosaic, including the Iris mosaic, was preserved, and they are now on display at the Porterville Historical Museum. The Museum is located at 257 North "D" Street.

Activities abound at the annual Iris Festival which includes. 200 craft-arts-commercial-food booths, children's fun area, entertainment, art walk, floral show, literacy fair, reptile show, car & motorcycle show, chili cook-off, nearby pancake breakfast, chalk art, Fire Department Open House, and free shuttle service to self-guided tours of Sutton's Iris Gardens. All events happen in Downtown Porterville on Main Street except visits to the world's largest distributor of re-blooming iris which is ten minutes away by shuttle