42nd Olney Community Day, Featuring Taste of Olney, Returns on March 24

Nearly 100 local businesses, non-profit groups, community organizations, county agencies, food and beverage vendors and others will be in the spotlight on March 24, as the Olney Chamber of Commerce hosts its 42nd Annual Community Day, featuring Montgomery County’s longest running business expo, a family expo, the Taste of Olney, and much more (photos from last year’s event below).

“Community Day celebrates everything Olney has to offer, bringing together all facets of our community,” said Chamber Executive Director Terri Hogan. “It also provides an opportunity for businesses, especially those without a storefront, to connect with area residents.”

This community outreach event with annual attendance estimated at more than 4,000 residents is traditionally held on a weeknight, but this year will take place on Sunday afternoon. While this decision was originally based on venue availability, organizers are hopeful that the new time will make the event even more appealing to families looking for something free and fun to do.

The event will take place 1-5 p.m. at Our Lady of Good Counsel High School, 17301 Old Vic Boulevard. Admission and activities are free, but attendees are asked to bring non-perishable food items for Olney HELP and used eyeglasses to be collected by the Olney Lions.

This year, there will be additional parking available at the Olney Theatre and William H. Farquhar Middle School, with shuttle bus service provided. Parking attendants will direct visitors to offsite parking if necessary.

This event offers something for all ages. Exhibitors include schools and camps, home renovation services, real estate and moving services, recreational activities, event planning services, health and fitness providers, legal and financialservices, faith-based organizations, and more.

Kids activities will include moon bounces, games, a photo booth, face painting, circus fun. and crafts. Other highlights include performances by dance and karate studios, raffles, and giveaways galore from exhibitors.

The Taste of Olney will feature several local restaurants offering a wide variety of menu choices. Participating vendors include Mamma Lucia, Passion Bakery, Scratch Kitchen, Crepe Shoppe Cafe, Mackie’s BBQ, La Table du Chateau, Kona Ice, Carmen’s Italian Ice, and Patcha Mama Juice Company and Tacos el Pariente. Vendors will be set up in the dining hall, with food trucks parked just outside.

Beer, wine and spirits will be offered by Lone Oak Brewing Company, The Olney Winery, and Twin Valley Distillers. Beverages will be available for consumption at the event or to take home.

Look for Vicky the Pink Fire Truck promoting breast cancer awareness and The Sandy Spring Volunteer Fire Department’s Fire Safety Trailer, both parked just outside the dining hall. The interactive mobile safety trailer teaches fire prevention and survival skills including exiting techniques in a simulated smoke-filled environment, learning how to check the door for heat, and the “stop, drop, and roll” technique.

Community Day not only provides enjoyment for residents but helps the Olney Chamber to fulfill its mission of supporting, promoting, and representing the business interests of its members and to strengthen the local business economy. The Chamber is celebrating its 60^th anniversary this year and is thriving with more than 300 members.

“We are very proud of our member businesses and this event allows us to show them off,” said Hogan. “Attending Community Day demonstrates your support for these businesses, which not only employ our residents, but also actively contribute to local fundraisers, reinvest in the community, and help maintain Olney’s unique sense of community.”

Olney Community Day is chaired by Andriana Weinstein, co-owner of Open Road Trailer Services, Chamber board member. “We are grateful for all the participants, volunteers and community members that make Community Day something to look forward to every year,” she said.

Brooke Grove Retirement Village, Sandy Spring Bank and What’s Up Promotions are this year’s Community Day Gold Sponsors. The Chamber thanks them, Our Lady of Good Counsel, and all the event sponsors for their generosity and support of this event.

Check for event updates on the Olney Chamber’s website, www.olneymd.org, and on Facebook and Instagram.