Salem United Methodist Church in Brookeville was one of the exhibitors at the 38th annual Community Night and Taste of Olney on Oct. 9. –

by Terri Hogan
Senior Staff Writer
Attendance was down at the Olney Chamber of Commerce’s 38th annual Community Night and Taste of Olney, but organizers, exhibitors and visitors consider the event a success.
The annual showcase of businesses, services, products and community groups was held Oct. 9 at Our Lady of Good Counsel High School.
“Even though attendance was down from what it has been, we still had thousands of people there and a great mix of exhibitors,” Olney Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jon Hulsizer said. “We are very satisfied at the outcome of the event.”
Hulsizer attributed the decreased crowd to uncertainty of the weather — possible rain had been predicted — and the Washington Nationals’ Division Series playoff game at the same time as the event.
Event highlights included a demonstration by Hero Dogs, the Chick-Fil-A cow mascot — the community has been anticipating the opening of the fast food restaurant — and exhibitor Hover Solutions, which flew a large drone above the football field and offered visitors the opportunity to fly a drone in an enclosed test flight area.
Other attractions included the Taste of Olney featuring several local restaurants, a silent auction and paper bag raffles, flu shots provided by Harris Teeter, and the opportunity to interact with Montgomery County Police officers.
The school’s new Performing Arts Center provided a venue for performances by local dance studios, martial arts studios and other live entertainment throughout the evening.
Hulsizer said Community Night not only provides enjoyment and information for local residents, it is a crucial fundraiser for the chamber.
Although final totals were not yet available by The Greater Olney News press time, funds raised will go towards the continued presence and maintenance of the Olney Police Satellite Station. The Chamber of Commerce has funded the facility since it opened in 1997.
“The chamber thanks our sponsors and the incredible volunteers who put in a lot of work and effort to make this a successful event,” Hulsizer said.