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Published Sunday, September 05, 2010 in Local
Photo by Jeffrey Leo
Jane Cotney and Floyd Meigs check out some homemade windmills at Powers’ Festival Saturday afternoon.
Powers Festival opens with moment of reflection
The Newnan Times-Herald
The 40th Annual Powers’ Festival kicked off Saturday with beautiful weather and an opening ceremony honoring both current and past board members.
The festival continues through Monday on the grounds of the historic Powers’ plantation, located just off Ga. Hwy. 34 West near the Heard/Coweta line. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $7; children under 5 enter for free.
The festival features fine arts and crafts, heritage crafts, demonstrations, entertainment and lots of great food prepared by local churches and nonprofit organizations.
“It’s hard to believe that, 40 years ago,” a handful of friends sat down with Coweta artist Tom Powers and “envisioned one of the South’s leading festivals,” said Mike Barber, chairman of the anniversary committee. “It was the start of an era.”
Dr. Jim Farmer, Powers’ cousin, brought a message from the festival’s founder during the opening ceremonies.
Farmer said Powers “really regrets he can’t be here in person,” but that the only thing that could stop him from attending the 40th annual event is his health. “He expresses his best wishes for the 40th,” Farmer said.
The festival grew quickly after that first year, and soon was taken over by several non-profit organizations that comprise Coweta Festivals. They are the Newnan-Coweta Art Association, the Newnan-Coweta Chamber of Commerce, Coweta County 4-H, the Newnan-Coweta Jaycees, and the Pilot Club of Newnan.
Members of those groups “work as volunteers” pretty much on a year-round basis, said Barber. “We give our time freely,” he said.
Many previous Coweta Festivals board members were on hand, and they, and current board members, were recognized. The names of former board members who have passed away were read aloud, and there was a moment of silence. Barber in particular recognized long-time Festival Director Harriet Alexander. “She would be very proud that we are celebrating our 40th,” he said.
There was also a special recognition for Juanita Hieronymus, who has volunteered with the festival ever since it began.
There are also many others who have helped make the festival a reality over the years, Barber said, and they are all appreciated.
“Thank you all so much for all you have done,” said Karen Jones, Coweta Festivals board president.
“It takes so many volunteers to make this event what it has been, down through the years,” Barber said.
“I hope you will enjoy three days of … fantastic food, outstanding entertainment, and outstanding arts and crafts,” he said.
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I agree it is pricey. Our family would've like to have gone and walked around and looked around even though we couldn't have afforded to buy much. Unfortunately, it would be $30 just for us to get in the gate to look around. That's a lot of money for a walk through the woods.
Posted by JB at 1:22 AM
I just don't get people NOT reading...ALL of Powers' Festival proceeds, after the expenses to run this large, three day festival (and upkeep on that property for the other 362 days)goes directly back into this community...the five non profit groups that 'own' Powers' Festival property are the Jaycees, the 4-H, the Pilot Club, the Art Association and the Chamber of Commerce...everything done for Powers is volunteer, from artwork for applications and letterhead to changing the flush valves on toilets!!...there is one part time grounds employee to keep the grounds in tiptop shape year round....please come out and see the changes that have been made to the festival...the comments have been nothing but outstanding, positive and motivating...on to the 41st year!!...
Posted by Karen at 12:49 AM
I lived in Atlanta for years and never paid to park, so I'm not buying that. I'm glad it goes to charity. That makes the $7 much more acceptable and understandable.
Posted by Newninja at 10:12 PM
The other big festivals you refer to are for making money for the owners and promoters not for your county non-profits to help those in need. Yellow Daisy charges the exhibitors a thousand dollars. Plus ten dollars to park. Powers' charges the artists two hundred and fifty dollars. Just enough to pay the actual bills. Gate sales are to support the non-profits and no parking charges at all. The food you buy supports the churches that provide the food to you. You should be ashamed of yourself. Don't hear you fussing about the cost to go to the fair. Also for a non-profit and your community.
Posted by Jim Bob at 9:39 PM
Exhibitor fees pay the bills. Admission fees are for charity just like the Kiwanis County Fair. Don't see any complaints about paying to go into the fair and then paying for the food, rides etc. It all goes to the exact same place - helping out in our own Coweta County. All the workers and management are volunteers. No paid employees. I bet you don't complain when you need something (like scholarships for your children) that is provided by these 5 non-profits. I had a great time and gladly spent my money to Christmas shop for the best gifts ever!
Posted by slick willie at 9:29 PM
Powers is great, have spent 2 days with my MOTHER GOOSE Characters, reading, games and coloring for the 4-H Kids section at Powers Crossroads. It has been a rewarding return to POWERS especially since my family ran the Mill at Powers many years ago. I love the place and the people. Remember to Praise the Youth of the 4-H and parents for the work on the Kiddie park.
Posted by Janice Sibley at 9:29 PM
The reason they charge $7 bucks is for Parking and for entry. Anywhere you go in Atlanta you will be $10 or more just to park. So, Powers just combines it. If you cant afford $7 to get in, then you likely cant afford to buy anything at Powers Anyway. More for me :)
Posted by expenses at 8:40 PM
I agree, Eddie! My argument with the price, however, has nothing to do with the economy. I can't even think of a festival in Atlanta that charges for admission, and some of them are much larger festivals (e.g. Dogwood). I feel like I'm paying to go spend money. It's laughable to even imagine paying to enter the mall, but it's the same deal. I understand $2 or $3 to cover some expenses, but shouldn't the vendors be paying the majority of the expenses. The mall also has expenses, but they don't charge me a fee to come shop. With that said, I'm leaving to go there in a few minutes.
Posted by Newninja at 2:54 PM
I wouldn't mind attending if they would lower the admission price to $3. In this economy, $7 is too steep. Most of us going, are going to browse to see what we might like, not looking for something in particular, so give us a chance to look instead of robbing us blind! This isn't Atlanta, it's Newnan.
Posted by Eddie at 1:50 PM
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paying to park
9/6/2010
Link To This Comment
maybe 10 years ago you didnt pay to park in atlanta, but now for anything and everything you pay. Went to something in Piedmont last weekend and paid $12 to park and $6 to get in. Nothing is free anymore. Powers should get lots of props for its loyalty to non-profits over the years. My dad helped build that place...he did it for as a volunteer...thats they way they do things.
Posted by expenses at 2:35 AM