Celebrate Summer at Columbia Daze

Columbia’s traditional summer festival--billed under the playful name of “Columbia Daze”--will be held this year on August 15th & 16th at Turner Hall (211 E. Cherry St.). The event kicks off at 4:00 p.m. Friday and continues all day Saturday with carnival rides, games, and food vendors. Live music by the band Freefall will be offered from 8:00 p.m. until midnight on Friday, and the event wraps up Saturday evening with a performance by Aftershock, also from 8:00 p.m. until midnight.

And more--there's actually a host of activities around town on Saturday, including:

• Historical trolley tours provided by the Columbia Heritage and Preservation Commission using actors from Monroe Actors Stage Company; the tours--which view historic homes throughout the city from the climate-controlled comfort of a replica historic trolley, cost $8.00 and leave from City Hall every hour on the hour;
• The Columbia Daze Parade will begin at Bolm-Schuhkraft Park at 5:00 p.m.; the parade is open to local businesses, clubs, and groups (a donation of $10.00 per vehicle is required), and organizers have already booked several bands including the Bud Light Brigade and representatives from Columbia and Gibault high schools--to participate, please contact Paul Koury at (618) 281-7133;
• Food--the Columbia Fire Department will be frying fish, the Pork Producers will have butterfly chops & pork burgers, plus there will be bratwurst, hot dogs, pizza, chicken on a stick, funnel cakes, cold beer and soda; proceeds will benefit the local groups that provide each booth.

For more information on Columbia Daze activities, call Turner Hall at (618) 281-5393.