Columbus Day Festival offers arts, entertainment and food

The third annual Columbus Day Festival on Saturday promises a day full of family fun.

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The free event will be held from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the Columbia County Amphitheater and Memorial Gardens behind the Evans library.

More than 20 arts and crafts vendors will offer jewelry, clothing, wood art and lawn ornaments, paintings, homemade soaps and lotions and other items, county Community Events Specialist Keela Fruehling said.

"We've got more vendors this year than we've had in the past, so we're excited about that," she said.

Several activities will focus on children.

An art contest, "monster mural," inflatable play area, pony rides and petting zoo are designed especially for children.

The winning entries of a model ship contest that was open to pupils in the Columbia County school system will also be on display at the festival.

The Italian-American Club of the CSRA will provide food.

Three years ago, the club moved the annual festivities in honor of Christopher Columbus to Columbia County, which is named for the explorer.

"We have a packed schedule for live entertainment," Fruehling said.

"We have a different act every hour."

Performing on Saturday are the Eastern Star Belly Dancers at 10 a.m.; Haydens International Gymnastics Academy at 11 a.m.; magician Chad Crews at noon; Christian group Sweet Fellowship at 1 p.m.; Augusta Cheer Academy at 2 p.m.; singer Tara Scheyer at 3 p.m.; and the Columbia County Ballet at 4 p.m.

In previous years, nearly 2,000 people attended each festival, and Fruehling anticipates a similar turnout this year.

"As long as the weather is nice, people will be there," she said.