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Published Sunday, September 06, 2009 in Local
Powers' offers a little bit of everything
The Times-Herald
Day two of the 39th annual Powers' Festival kicks off with Sunday morning gospel music from 9 to 10 a.m., and the Summerhouse Stage will be active all day long.
Darrell and Amanda Walters of Newnan attended the outdoor festival on Saturday and brought along their 8-month-old daughter, Jenna. The couple returned to Powers' for the first time in years in search of something to do with the family this Labor Day weekend.
"It seems very family-oriented, which is one of the things we were looking for," said Darrell Walters. "There's something here for everybody."
Amanda Walters was impressed that there seemed to be more arts and crafts available than in years past.
Barbara Wetherington, a long-time vendor and volunteer, said the event is about community.
"This is so important to Coweta County," said Wetherington. "People are so excited. I love everything about it. I love to be part of the fun."
Wetherington noticed that the economy continues to have a slightly negative impact on the turnout, but she said the people who were in attendance "seemed to be having a wonderful time." She encourages more Cowetans to stop by, even if they think they've seen it all before.
"We've made tons of changes," she said. "We have new vendors and more affordable crafts."
At the end of every day, Wetherington goes home exhausted, but satisfied. She plans to be involved in Powers' "until I can't anymore."
At 10 a.m. today will be the presentation of awards for arts and crafts exhibitors, followed by two hours of dance from Star Studios. The Elim Baptist Church soloists will perform from 1 to 2, and the Mt. Sinai Praise Dancers will take the stage from 2 to 2:30. The Georgia Music Industry Association Showcase continues with country and classic rock bands.
Powers' -- the granddaddy of arts and crafts festivals in the southeast -- runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the historic grounds of the Powers' Plantation. It's located west of Newnan just off Ga. Hwy. 34/ Franklin Highway near the Heard County line.
The annual festival attracts some 150 artists and craftsmen from across the country and brings thousands of visitors to the wooded paths each Labor Day weekend.
Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for seniors 65 and over and for military personnel, and $3 for children ages 6 to 12. Kids under 6 are admitted free. All proceeds go to support the five non-profit organizations that make up Coweta Festivals Inc. -- the Newnan-Coweta Art Association, Jaycees, Coweta County 4-H, Newnan-Coweta Chamber of Commerce and the Pilot Club. There is plenty of Southern-style cooking offered by local churches and civic groups as well.
[Staff writer Sarah Fay Campbell contributed to this article.]
On the web: powersfestival.org
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I went after I swore I wound't return after last year. I DID send them an email with my concerns with the children's area last year. This year I didn't bring my children or even buy anything except some great food that was reasonably priced. I am sure it is hard to organize a huge event or make everyone happy. Most everyone seems to want something for free, I am willing to pay for great craftsmenship, good food, happy kids (I spend more when THEY are happy) and entertainment. BUT to be overcharged for food, ticket prices, children's entertainment (which was the case last year!!) plus vendors selling things made in China (for the most part) it made me decide not to bring entire family.
Posted by meh at 9:16 PM
In 2008 we took a survey at the festival about what people want at the festival. Less vendors (more strolling space) more affordable crafts and new food. That's some of the changes we made. The Pilot Club is thrilled with their new food and the unbelievable sales they have had. It proves you can't make everyone happy. Most of us are very happy with the results. More visitors, great sales and lots of fun.
Posted by Barbara Wetherington at 6:48 PM
i have also been going for years and think this was my last year - much smaller no where near the 200 vendors advertised - admission should really have been dropped - $7 way too much for what was there - talked to a few vendors and they were also not pleased many talking about not returning
Posted by pcp at 11:46 AM
I have been going to Powers for over 20 years. I must have missed something because their was fewer children's playthings in the children's park. They had way less vendors this year. And they allowed at least one place to outsource their food sales taking business away from people who actually worked hard.I used to be a big supporter but no longer.
Posted by New peach at 8:16 AM
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Powers Crossroads
9/8/2009
Link To This Comment
What does Powers Crossroads and Michael Jackson have in common? They have both been dead for a long time and the funerals were way over due. It's time to turn out the lights and move on.
Posted by Joe Citizen at 10:23 AM