News 12 at 11 o'clock, September 18, 2008

AUGUSTA, Ga.---Grab a lawn chair, grab the family, and make plans to head out to the first annual Westobou Festival this week. There are nine more days of the festival, which is aimed at bringing big crowds and big profits into the Augusta economy.

It's been a year in the making, but the first day of Westobou is finally here. The ten-day extravaganza is expected to bring thousands of visitors and thousands of dollars.

"I can tell you that an average visitor who comes to town, they spend more than $200 a day," said Jennifer Bowen of the Augusta Convention and Visitor's Bureau.

And that's the whole idea--bringing arts to the forefront while showcasing the unique artist culture and charm of the Garden City.

"Stay in the hotels, eat in our restaurants, shop in our shops, and see what Augusta has to offer culturally," said Westobou programming director Cameron Nixon. She believes the festival will do many things for the area.

"People around the state and South Carolina don't always know that {Augusta has a lot to offer), and this is an opportunity for them to come see our Southern hospitality and all our culture," Nixon said.

The Beatles cover band, Number 9, lured Albert and Pat Moody out, and they weren't the only ones dancing, networking, or just having a good time. One thing's for sure: there's a little something for everybody.

"Just to bring people into Augusta, let them see Augusta, and fun for the people," Albert said.

"I hope this is a great start to a long start to a long long thing, I really do," said Pat.

"$200 a day per visitor, overnight visitor to clarify, that is a great amount of money and can certainly result in a very good impact on the economy," Bowen said.

As part of the festival, the Imperial Theater replayed the film Three Faces of Eve, a movie about a local woman, Chris Sizemore, who struggled with multiple personality disorder. The movie made its premier September 18, 1957 at the Miller Theater.

There are plenty of events to look forward to. Arts in the Heart starts tomorrow at the Augusta Common. Christine Kane is giving a free singing performance at the Houghton School. And you can check out the inventions of Leonardo da Vinci at Fort Discovery. Check out everything at www.WestobouFestival.com.

The Trustees of the Academy of Richmond County came up with the idea for the Westobou Festival back in 2005, in conjunction with their work on behalf of the Porter Fleming Foundation. The festival is produced by the Greater Augusta Arts Council.