Olive Festival harvests fond memories

Nice weather and a full slate of activities led to another successful Olive Festival in Corning, although this year also featured some mystery.

The festivities kicked off Aug. 16 at the Veteran's Memorial Hall with Cassidy Ward edging out the competition to be crowned Miss Corning.

The first clue in the Missing Olive Contest was issued Aug. 18, and started Corning residents on a citywide search for the elusive olive. Strangely, after the fifth clue was posted Friday the olive disappeared from its hiding spot, according to clue-meister Harry Zamansky, and nobody turned it in to the Chamber of Commerce to claim the $150 prize.

There is now a $150 award being offered by the Observer and Harry Zemansky for the safe return of the olive to the chamber.

The water festival made for a wet-and-wild Wednesday, as children from Corning were treated to a night of free fun at the city pool, sponsored by the Department of Public Works.

Thursday was the night for all things olive at the Olive Festival mixer sponsored by the Bell-Carter Olive Company and held in the company's break room. Once again Linda Lima created a spectacular spread of her unique olive creations, which were enjoyed by the many in attendance.

Friday saw Solano Street closed off for the Olive Festival parade and bed races, with the fleet-footed team from PremierWest Bank rolling home with the top prize from the bed races.

Saturday's fun began nearly at sunrise, with the pancake breakfast held at Woodson Park. A jam-packed day of fun ensued, with a wide range of activities that included a fun run; arts, crafts and food booths; the firemen's hose-down; children's activities, cow chip bingo and an olive drop.

The fun and excitement was there for the picking, and area residents were able to reap a bumper crop of olive enjoyment.

Parade Winners:

• Best Marching Unit - Corning Rockettes Dance Team

• Best Vehicle - Corning Volunteer Fire Department

• Best Miscellaneous - Chico Shriner's Mini Cars

• Best Float - Corning Youth Football

• Best Senior Equestrian - E-Z Riders   C

Craig Purcell may be contacted at 824-1036 or cpurcell@tcnpress.com.