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Sponsor says state designation for Rome-area festivals will aid recovery and marketing
Summary
Representative Jones told the committee the bill would allow local festivals to market more effectively after flood damage to Rome Mountain; members described typical festival activities and expressed support for bringing visitors back to the area.
Representative Jones, the bill sponsor recorded in the hearing as "Miss Jones," told the Naming & Designating Committee the measure would help local festival organizers market events and recover visitors after flood damage to Rome Mountain.
"...and especially with the flooding, that's going to help them get more visitors back into the area and increase their revenues," Representative Jones said, explaining that festivals include vendors, bands, gospel and country music, and craft exhibits. She said one event "didn't do real well last year at all" and that organizers had to cancel in 2024. Representative Warner told the sponsor the proposal could "bring more awareness" and draw more visitors to state parks.
Committee members asked for clarification about a place name used in the sponsor's remarks; Representative Bridal confirmed the reference was a play on "rhododendron," not a named municipality. No outside witnesses testified in the record, and no detailed attendance or revenue figures were provided during the committee discussion.
