COLUMBUS—History comes alive, and it seems like only yesterday that the Magnolia Days Festival was filled with fun, games and entertainment for the whole family. From its inception in the good old days to last week, the Magnolia Days Festival keeps feeding the soul and reliving yesteryear as if it were today.
Striking a balance between the past and the present is a delicate task, but the dedicated organizers of the Magnolia Days Festival manage it with finesse year after year. One element that pays homage to the past yet remains timeless is the Magnolia Belles.
The belles have been acting as goodwill ambassadors for the Magnolia Homes Tour, i.e. the Magnolia Days Festival around the square since 1964. With a nod to the past, Magnolia Belle Avey Dyer wore her mother’s Magnolia Belles dress she wore 30 years ago. Historic homes shaded by magnificent oaks are on display. Instead of a horse show, there is a car show, albeit with horsepower.
The music is in sync with the crowds that come and get the foot tapping or the body moving. The food can’t be beat and the vendors have so much to offer. Thousands came and went, and will be back next year and the year after. Generations have come and gone to the Magnolia Days Festival and no doubt their kids will come as well.
