Columbia/Hellam/Wrightsville October Is
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OCTOBER 25, 2023
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
John Meshey has been involved in the Columbia community for more than 45 years, so it’s fitting that he’s the grand marshal of the 2023 Columbia Mardi Gras Halloween Parade. The parade will step off at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 26. John, a 1975 graduate of Columbia High School, recalled that he first became involved in the community when he entered a fundraiser to win a prize through the Jaycees when he was 21 years old. “I won one of the prizes, but instead of giving me the prize, they paid my membership dues,” he “It’s a fun time. There’s candy being thrown, and it’s just a fun opportunity to get out and enjoy yourself.” noted. It was the first of many commitments John has made to Columbia over the decades. He’s been a member of the Columbia Lions Club for 10 years and currently serves as service chair. He’s also active with the Sunsnappers, Columbia Park Rangers and Columbia Civil Service Commission, among other organizations. The father of two children and three grandchildren said giving back to his community has always been important to him. “Having children participate in different sporting events, I ended up coaching or selling concessions,” he said. “I have always wanted to be a part of all the community events happening Columbia. People appreciate it, and it’s nice when somebody comes up and says, ‘Thank you for doing this.’” John will be joined in the parade by his wife, Tammy. He noted that he began participating in the parade as a child, recalling how he and some friends dressed up as Laurel and Hardy. Tammy also participated in her youth, with her whole family creating a float annually
You’re invited to The Halloween Party in the Park
Come in costume for family fun at The Halloween Party in the Park. BY CATHY MOLITORIS
“At this event, guests can expect good music, lots of candy and a variety of vendors,” said Rebecca Wright of the Columbia Movers and Shakers Society, describing The Halloween Party in the Park. “They can also expect to see lots of cool decorations, tons of pumpkins and
some very creative costumes.” The Columbia Movers and Shakers Society will host the event in Locust Street Park, 550 Locust St., Columbia, on Saturday, Oct. 28, from 3 to 7 p.m. The rain date will be Sunday, Oct. 29. At least 20 vendors will be on hand for the party, including Levi Spray Art, Cooper’s Comics & See Party pg 5
Tammy and John Meshey
based on the parade’s theme. This year’s parade has a theme of “Wide World of Sports” and will feature more than 50 units in five divisions. “We have a lot of local groups participating, like the Scouts and lots of school groups,” John said. “We’ll have bands and floats.” Judges will circulate throughout the parade, reviewing entries to award cash prizes. “We have them walk through the parade so that way the spectators can see the groups performing anywhere along
the parade route, not just at a judges’ stand at the end,” he explained. The parade is a true community event, he noted, drawing not only a large number of participants but a large crowd of spectactors as well. “It’s a fun time. There’s candy being thrown, and it’s just a fun opportunity to get out and enjoy yourself,” John said. “We expect a big crowd for this. It’s always been a great time.” The parade will begin at Columbia
Bazaar will feature handmade crafts and more BY CATHY MOLITORIS
“We have such a nice variety of items, and it’s not overwhelming,” said Hilary Smith when describing the Olde Salem Craft Bazaar. “It’s not huge, but there’s still a good variety. It’s an enjoyable fundraiser for us to put together, and it’s fun for people to come to and shop.” The bazaar will be held in the social hall at the rear of Historic Salem United Church of Christ,
324 Walnut St., Columbia, on Saturday, Nov. 4, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. “We’re going to have toys and Christmas items, handmade plushies, prints and notecards from the Joseph W. Halter Jr. collection,” Smith stated. “He was a Columbia resident, and some of his work is pencil drawings and some are painted. We’re going to have 1-foot-by-1-foot barn quilts, handcrafted blacksmith items, artwork, jewelry and plants. We will also have a Mary Kay rep there.”
See Parade pg 2
See Bazaar pg 2
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