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by Terri Hogan
Senior Staff Writer
The 39th Community Night and Taste of Olney will return Oct. 8, showcasing the variety of businesses and services available in the greater Olney area.
Community Night, the Olney Chamber of Commerce’s premier event and Montgomery County’s longest running business expo, will take place from 4:30 to 8 p.m. at Our Lady of Good Counsel High School, 17301 Old Vic Blvd.
Admission is free, but visitors are asked to bring a non-perishable food item to restock the pantry shelves at Olney HELP.
More than 4,000 people attended last year and organizers expect this year’s event to be equally well attended.
“There are great businesses and organizations in town that support everything that goes on in the Olney area,” Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jon Hulsizer said. “It’s an opportunity to put them in the spotlight and let them interact with residents in a positive, fun atmosphere.”
Hulsizer expects about 75 exhibitors, including businesses, community organizations and service providers.
The Taste of Olney, held in the school’s dining hall, will feature several local restaurants with a variety of offerings.
“The Taste of Olney makes the event even more fun,” Hulsizer said. “Bring the family for dinner and everyone can choose what they want. It’s a great way to try new restaurants or new menu items.”
As of press time for The Greater Olney News, confirmed participants included Nirvana Indian Cuisine, Cava Mezze, Mamma Lucia, Sardi’s Taphouse, El Andariego, Olney Winery, Chick-fil-A and Rita’s Italian Ice.
Local dance and martial arts studios and Hero Dogs will offer demonstrations. Hover Solutions will fly a large drone over the football field and offer the opportunity for guests to fly a mini-drone in the gymnasium.
Harris Teeter will again offer flu shots and the Olney Lions Club will collect prescription eyeglasses, reading glasses and sunglasses for donation to people in need.
Auction items will include tickets to Washington Capitals games, Washington Wizards games, Field of Screams, Olney Theatre Center and golf foursomes.
Raffle prizes will include restaurant gift cards, gift baskets, passes to Sandy Spring Adventure Park and more.
As a result of a request at last year’s event, private room will be available for nursing mothers.
Sponsors of the 39th Community Night are Brooke Grove Retirement Village, DMV Exteriors, Fair Hill shopping center and Fitzgerald Toyota.
Check for event updates on the Olney Chamber of Commerce website at www.olneymd.org and on its Facebook page.