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Published Saturday, November 21, 2009 in Local

Coweta Festivals looking for new Powers' director

By Sarah Fay Campbell

The Times-Herald

As the 40th anniversary of the Powers' Crossroads Arts Festival approaches, Coweta Festivals is seeking a new festival director.

The festival, held every Labor Day Weekend on the grounds of the historic Powers' Plantation in western Coweta, near the Heard County line, will be 40 next year.

"We are looking forward to a great 40th, and will be focusing this year on bringing in as many top-quality artists as we possibly can to help us celebrate," said Karen Jones, president of the Coweta Festivals Inc. board.

Coweta Festivals, which owns and operates the festival and other events, including the Powers' Country Store, is made up of five non-profit organizations: the Newnan-Coweta Art Association, the Newnan-Coweta Chamber of Commerce, the Jaycees, Coweta County 4-H, and the Pilot Club.

As a special offering to expand the use of the festival grounds, the country store -- stocked with a wide variety of Christmas gift items made by Powers' artists -- will be open every weekend through Dec. 20.

As for the festival itself, and the organization, "there are many changes on the horizon -- with the first being a new festival director," Jones said.

Coweta Festivals Inc. and former festival director Carol Chancey parted ways recently following the 2009 Labor Day weekend festival.

"We are looking forward to our 40th anniversary and we're hoping to get back to our roots on this one," Jones said.

"We're going to try to get artists back that haven't been to the festival in a long time," Jones said. And, "we're going to be involving, hopefully, people in the community that were involved with the festival many, many years ago."

Jones said that the hiring process for the new director will likely move slowly.

"We need a people person with some marketing experience, or a great deal of willingness to learn," Jones said. "The applicant should be willing to meet with the executive board as part of the interview process so that both the board and the applicant can see if there is a good fit."

Interested applicants should contact Jones by e-mail at kjpuzzles@mindspring.com.

Despite the poor economy, the 2009 festival was a success, Jones said.

"We surpassed our goal for gate receipts this year. That is very encouraging, considering the current state of the economy," Jones said.

"One of our most successful projects in 2009 to re-involve our local community in this family-friendly festival was our donation of free tickets to our local schools," Jones said. "Many families that had not visited the festival in the past took advantage of their children's free guest tickets to attend, and commented on how much they enjoyed the festival."

"Encouraging our own local community to come and enjoy the festival -- and learn what we stand for -- is one of our highest priorities," Jones said.

"We are, however, optimistic that we are indeed giving back to our community. And that is our main goal."

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