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Columbus to hold festival on Saturday, July 3

COLUMBUS—After being cancelled last year because of COVID-19, the Town of Columbus’ Fabulous Fourth Festival is on this year. 

Columbus Town Council met in March and set the festival for Saturday, July 3 since July 4 falls on a Sunday this year. 

The town has a July 4th committee to handle the annual festival. Council reviewed minutes from the February July 4th committee meeting, which included vendor information, amusement park rides and the contract, sponsorships and fireworks. 

The amusement park rides will be set up per usual at Stearns Park per an agreement with the school board. 

The board also discussed garbage pick-up, port-a-johns and looking into a hand washing station. 

The town’s committee contacted Polk County Department of Health and Human Services Director Josh Kennedy and Polk County Emergency Management Director Bobby Arledge to get advice about holding the festival this year. The committee noted that the town should follow CDC guidelines, use hand sanitizers by rides, practice social distancing, use masks and follow the North Carolina Governor’s guidelines. 

The City of Saluda has cancelled its Coon Dog Day festival this year because of COVID-19 and not having time to plan it because of the current state restrictions on outdoor gatherings.