Go On A Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt In Columbia!

Columbia's Scavenger Hunt Contest Showcases New Self-Guided Historic Main Street Walking Tour Signs 

COLUMBIA, IL [October 5, 2020] - The city of Columbia has just completed the installation of their Self-Guided Historic Main Street Walking Tour signs and is celebrating with a Scavenger Hunt contest and a chance to win one of ten Columbia branded quarter-zip pullovers! 

"Columbia's Heritage and Preservation Commission came up with the idea to creat the signs a coupld of years ago," said Sue Spargo, Assistant to the City Administrator. "We put our heads together to decide which locations would best highlight Columbia's history, culture and character, and decided on 30 locations on North and South Main Street. Members of the Commission, local historians and County Commissioner Dennis Knobloch were all instrumental in gathering the information and images for our signs. With so many things being cancelled due to the pandemic, we finally had the time to dedicate to this project, and we're super excited about it!"
 

Columbia's Historic Main Street lies along the Kaskaskia-Cahokia Trail, and the Kaskaskia Cahokia Trail Coalition was instrumental in helping with the funding for the project. Past local resident Dennis Patton is a member of the coalition and the author of the "Kaskaskia-Cahokia Trail," a 359 page book explaining the history of the Trail. With financial support from the Sophia and Elmer Oerter Charitable Foundation to publish the book, Mr. Patton donated 100 of his books to the City of Columbia to help finance the Self-Guided Historic Signs on Main Street, and Historic Main Street Columbia Association Treasurer, Joe Lebryk, used his venue at Roseberry Farms as a pass through to sell the books and turn the money from the book sales back over to help the City pay for a large portion of the signs which were designed to fit nicely with the City's new Main Street streetscape project.

The question and answer sheet and directions for the scavenger hunt can be found on the City's website at www.columbiaillinois.com, along with a brochure showing the locations of each sign. The Scavenger Hunt runs through November 13, and is a great COVID-safe activity for residents and visitors of all ages.