By Phoebe Donald Robinson / Community Columnist
Columbiana pulled out the welcome mat for the Alabama Historical Association Fall Pilgrimage on Saturday, October 11. More than 150 first time visitors came to our city, called the 21st century Mayberry by some, and hopefully left with a lasting impression of goodwill.
The event chosen to showcase Columbiana was the annual Columbiana Quilt Walk, the Friends of the Columbiana Public Library fundraiser. FOL chose to coordinate the CQW as a free event in 2014 for the public and AHA pilgrimage, working with the city of Columbiana, Columbiana Merchants and Professional Association, Shelby County Historical Association and Shelby County Arts Council.
Linda Major and committee organized the 25 different quilt stops, Peggy Wood and committee made and served breakfast to the 150 AHA attendees, Agnes Pool organized the extraordinary Quilts of Shelby County Exhibit from 19 Shelby County communities as well as the Quilts4Kids and Evening Star Guild exhibits. Pool was also on hand autographing her two quilt books.
Sarah Atchison led and organized the patriotic Quilts of Valor ceremony where Isabella Powell sang God Bless America and Cub and Boy Scout Troop 560 led the Pledge of Allegiance. More than 25 veterans from WWII to Iraq received their QOV at Hume Scout Park.
Executive Director Bruce Andrews produced a stellar Shelby County photography exhibit and Judi Elliot organized the art quilt exhibit at SCAC.
The trolley, driven by Nancy Davis and Locia Jones, ran all day to 11 trolley stops. LDS members Clem Muck and Ricky Harmon organized 14 missionaries, eight Elders and six Sisters under the leadership of Elder Billings and Elder Jordon who worked tirelessly all day wherever needed.
The Vintage Gray Band played at Music on Main, sponsored by Bernie’s, Bryant, First United Security, Regions and Renasant banks. Nineteen door prizes were given by Brown Lumber, Davis Drug, Busy Hands, Piggly Wiggly, Main Street Florist, Ron Foster and WZZK, Gail’s Florist, Main Street Market, Wooden Spoon, Barn Brat, Bruce Andrews and grand prize hand-made quilt by Atchison.
Bobby Joe Seales, president of the Shelby County Historical Society and liaison with AHA, received the following email from AHA, “I don’t think we have ever had this kind of volunteer support in a community. Holy cow!”