Olney Days Updates & History
2020 was a year everyone will remember. Unfortunately it will be remembered for the pandemic which caused the closing of schools, businesses, and events like Olney Days. All of the 2020 Olney Days events were cancelled, and in 2021 only the Free Paper Shred event will be held. It is the only event that can safely adhere to social distancing guidelines. We look forward to a full celebration in 2022.
2019 Olney Days was a great success. We look forward to building on that success for 2020. Here are some highlights:
Olney Days started over 30 years ago with a parade along Georgia Avenue. It has grown each year to now cover three days of family friendly events for all ages, drawing over 10,000 attendees from Olney and surrounding areas. Planning begins in the fall with the Olney Days Planning Committee. It takes approximately 300 volunteers and dozens of corporate sponsors each year to make it a success. When you see the "Proud Olney Days Sponsor" sticker in a business's window, please thank them for supporting our community.
Traditionally the weekend was held the weekend before Memorial Day. In 2018, the date had to be moved to the last weekend in April because the Olney Swim Center was to be renovated starting on May 1 and the area around it would be inaccessible. The community overwhelmingly liked the change so Olney Days will continue to be the last weekend in April.
Olney Civic Fund raises money to support Olney area non-profits AND to fund community events like the annual Olney Days celebration and Oktoberfestival. Past grant award winners include Project Change, Our House, Olney Help, First Generation College Bound, Olney Theatre, and Olney Farmers and Artists Market.
- The Free Paper Shred Event will continue to include the recycling of electronics.
- The Party in the Park combines two favorite past events: The Rock the Lot Block Party for adults and teens with the Children's Fun Fair. The beer & wine garden will have some new additions. All the carnival games, competitions, and food eating contests will occur as usual. Be sure to check out the Tug of War contest. There is a Fun Tug for children and/or families, and we look forward to groups, sports teams, and even businesses coming together to compete as a team in the Under 23 yr and Adult categories. The night will end with our traditional fireworks.
- Martin's Sedan and Limousine will provide FREE shuttle service to Olney Manor Park from the ICC Commuter Lot on Georgia Ave and the Park & Ride lot at Georgia Ave and Norbeck Rd (97/28 - entrance is from Norbeck Rd) .
- Parking at Oakdale Church this year will be by Parking Pass only - get yours free by visiting one of our participating sponsors. No purchase necessary and only one per person/family group.
- The Community Clean Up on Sunday morning will start at Olney Manor Park. Groups (formal and informal) can also sign up to clean up an area of Olney of their own choosing. Olney Civic Fund will arrange with the county to provide bags and pick up of the trash. Click here for more information.
Olney Days started over 30 years ago with a parade along Georgia Avenue. It has grown each year to now cover three days of family friendly events for all ages, drawing over 10,000 attendees from Olney and surrounding areas. Planning begins in the fall with the Olney Days Planning Committee. It takes approximately 300 volunteers and dozens of corporate sponsors each year to make it a success. When you see the "Proud Olney Days Sponsor" sticker in a business's window, please thank them for supporting our community.
Traditionally the weekend was held the weekend before Memorial Day. In 2018, the date had to be moved to the last weekend in April because the Olney Swim Center was to be renovated starting on May 1 and the area around it would be inaccessible. The community overwhelmingly liked the change so Olney Days will continue to be the last weekend in April.
Olney Civic Fund raises money to support Olney area non-profits AND to fund community events like the annual Olney Days celebration and Oktoberfestival. Past grant award winners include Project Change, Our House, Olney Help, First Generation College Bound, Olney Theatre, and Olney Farmers and Artists Market.