which encourages not only tourists but those who live nearby to take a trip downtown. Among the popular events is a crafts festival put on by the Riverfront Association the first weekend of each month. “Te city of Savannah sponsors many free, cultural events, as well as supports events such as the Savannah Music Festival,” the mayor explained. “We have a budget of $800,000 for this, and we feel it helps the local merchants and in general adds to the quality of life here. Because we celebrate our diversity, many festivals are for ethnic groups. We give sizable donations to the Asian, Latino and Black Heritage festivals. We have a citizens’ panel which decides if a proposed event should be given funding. Te Asian Festival at the Civic Center represents 14 different Asian groups, and the food stations are remarkable, as are the dance performances. Similarly, all of the various Latin groups come together to put on the Latino Festival. Te Greek, Italian and Jewish communi- ties are able to support their own festivals, and, of course, the public comes, providing revenue.” Tourists will notice two interest- ing aspects of the Savannah scene: Even though they can walk the Historic District with alcoholic beverages in to-go cups, the city is nearly litter-free. “Like Te Crescent City, we
adhere to that laissez faire attitude, but, along with the to-go-cup ordinance, we enforce the public in- toxication and disturbing the peace ordinances. I believe my freedom ends where yours gets too strong,
so there is a fine line between the two. Another challenge is underage
Savannah Riverfront’s Oktoberfest has live entertainment, German food, wiener dog races and other games, regional arts and crafts and more!
drinking and false IDs. Tere are 9,000 students at Savannah College of Art & Design, plus those at two state universities, along with mili- tary personnel who are under 21,” Johnson said. “As for the litter or lack thereof,
we have crews working on that 24/7 and are proud of our clean city,” he added. “You would be amazed, but the morning after the St. Patrick’s Day celebration, it is all back to normal.” On the subject of SCAD, Johnson
elaborated: “It is one of the highest rated art schools, with branches in Atlanta, France and Hong Kong. It brings in people from all over the world for their fabulous events. Another element that enriches the city are the transplants and retirees who have migrated here. Tey broaden our horizons cultur- ally and sit on the boards of art institutions and support the arts financially.” When asked to compare and contrast his city with Charleston, Savannah’s mayor replied: “People see us as Charleston’s little tom- boy sister, smaller and more casual. I don’t buy into the rivalry. If there is one, it is more like a family rivalry. As to how I would compare the two, I think we have a
Forsyth Park occupies 30 acres in the historic district of Savannah.
broader range of accommodations in our Historic District. About 10 years ago, our hotel building boom began. More recently, within blocks of the riverfront, a number of less-expensive chain properties were added to the inventory, as well as moderately-priced ones such as the Hampton Inn and Holiday Inn Express. Our slightly older, mid-rise hotels, such as the riverfront Hyatt and the Hilton Savannah DeSoto, have completed major renovations. As for our restaurants, the competi- tion has become keen, and new ones that are not up to the mark don’t make it. And our night life is legendary.” Johnson, Savannah’s second African-American mayor, is in his eighth and final year of office. Unlike in Charleston, where Mayor Joseph P. Riley Jr. has reigned for more than 35 years, there is a two- term limit in Savannah.
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