In 1995 the World Friendship Flag project, promoting world friendship, was a special project that began in Summerville. Itwas spearheaded by a local art teacher by the name of John Turner, who also served as a Rotary Interact Club Advisor. This project went worldwide and attracted much attention through all forms of Medias. It was even highlighted during the 1996 Olympics. Mr. Turner has traveled with the Friendship Flag to many destinations promoting the project through friendship. Today, Summerville, the county seat, is now known as “The Friendship Capital of The World”.
Summerville Main Street will host a Friendship Festival on Saturday, July 31 in Dowdy Park as a celebration of friendship, unity, and hopes for world peace. The event is scheduled to runfrom 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and feature live music, food, and craft vendors, a “Sister Cities in Friendship” Parade of Flags & Banners in the park, free children’s and friends activities, and more.
The week leading up to the festival will be celebrated as a “Week of Friendship,” inviting our local community and “Sister Friendship Communities” to perform acts of kindness. This week is the perfect opportunity is to let friends, whether near or far, know how much you care for and appreciate them. It’s the chance to reach out to old friends, new friends, and even those you see every day of the week, and do something that celebrates what your friendship means to you.
The schedule of suggested activities for Friendship Week will be as follows:
Sunday, July 25 – Take A Walk With A Friend
Monday, July 26- “Buy A Friend A Cup Of Coffee” or Send Them Something Special
Tuesday, July 27 – “Thank You Being A Friend Day” (WritingThank You Letters to Service Workers)
Wednesday, July 28 – Take a Friend to Lunch Day
Thursday, July 29 – Go Shopping With a Friend Day
Friday, July 30 – International Day of Friendship – Phone aFriend
The week will culminate with the Friendship Festival in Dowdy Park, which is free to the public, and expected to be a day full of friendship, fun, and unity. Vendors, civic groups, businesses, or municipalities wishing to participate are encouraged to contact Summerville Main Street for registration. For more information contact slocklear@summervillega.org.
