7/23/97
ATHENS, Ohio -- "A Serenade For Athens" -- a day of fun, food and family events -- will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday (Aug. 2) at The Ridges on the Ohio University campus.
Sponsored by the Division of University Relations to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the city of Athens, the event is free and open to the public. Shuttle buses will run all day between the Peden Stadium parking lot and The Ridges auditorium. Handicapped parking facilities will be available at The Ridges.
"We are very pleased to sponsor this unique celebration of the shared history of Athens and Ohio University," said Adrie H. Nab, vice president for university relations. "I feel it is another appropriate opportunity to express our thanks and gratitude to Athens residents for their nearly 200 years of support."
Events will occur in and around the Kennedy Museum of American Art and will include:
* "Art Encounter" for children ages 5-12. Children may create art projects at the Kennedy Museum and bring the projects home.
* "Pioneer Games" for children ages 5-12 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Richland Avenue Park. Kroger Co. is supplying prizes.
* Free showing of "Quilt International" at The Dairy Barn.
* "Civil War Living History" presents actors portraying camp life during the Civil War at Richland Avenue Park.
Activities tents in front of the Kennedy Museum will include:
* "A Taste of Athens" presents vendors offering food prepared by Athens restaurants, including Lui Lui, Perk's Coffee House, Oak Room and Ohio University Inn.
* A "Town and Gown Exhibit" of historical costumes and photography includes costumes from the School of Human and Consumer Sciences and photographs provided by Alden Library and James Anastas.
* "Bicentennial Storytelling for Children" by Theresa Caldwell from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.
* "Artisan Pavilion of Display and Demonstration Art" by The Foothill School of American Crafts.
Artists will demonstrate their art and crafts which also will be on sale.
* Regional bands offering folk, oldies, soft rock, classical, and old time Appalachian ballads and hymns, including Willie and the Poor Boys, The Late Bloomers, Home Remedy and Professor Eugene Jennings at the piano.
* "A Rendition of Mark Twain" by Jack Spell from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
The day's events are sanctioned by the Athens Bicentennial Committee.
Residents are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch and chairs and tables will be provided. For more information contact Jennifer Blackhurst at 614/593-9312.