Olympia revives heritage April 21
By Rachel Haynie

Olympians have discovered their roots run way beyond their close- knit community. Planners of the first festival, April 21, figured the inaugural event would attract primarily current neighbors, plus some who once lived near the mills.

As plans became public, interest was mirrored by the City of Columbia, developers, businesses, artisans, musicians, and churches bent on stoking the fellowship for which the community is known.

Among the free events slated for Saturday are sanctuary tours at participating churches: Green Street United Methodist Church, Whaley Street United Methodist Church, Southside Baptist Church, and St. Luke's Lutheran Church.

Docents will be on hand to share the history of their churches. History lovers also may explore the Olympia Cemetery where some graves were set in place as early as 1900. Among the most recent markers are those dated 2007.

Historic Columbia Foundation will be on hand to record oral and video histories of those living, or who once lived, in the village.

Another historic point of interest to be rediscovered on festival day is the WWI Doughboy statue, set in the median perpendicular to the mills. At the foot of the Egyptian- looking Rock, now a part of the Three Rivers Greenway, are benches for those who want to sit and rest a spell.

Outdoor lovers may familiarize themselves with placid Olympia Park and vibrant Granby River Walk, a still- new section of the Three Rivers Greenway project. Like these, most of the day's events are free.

On the grassy Commons in front of the Olympia Mill, festival activities will begin at 11 am with main stage performances by live bands. The stage area will center a perimeter populated by food venders, craftsmen and artisans displaying and selling their wares. Children's games will require nominally- priced tickets.

Those who are still children at heart may prefer being spectators where the game of cork ball is demonstrated will be at Jaco's Tavern. The tavern, located at the corner of Rosewood Drive and Bluff Road, has been a neighborhood fixture since 1912.

To moderate space on the shuttle buses taking the curious to the quarry for tours, purchased wristbands will be required. A bus will leave the festival area for Vulcan Quarry every 30 minutes during the festival.

Serving on the executive festival committee have been: Richard Burts, Bob Davis, Sally Davis, Larry Gates, and Jim Jaco.