Channel 6 to broadcast "Your Hometown" from here Fri.
By KIP BURKE, news editor

It's time for Washington-Wilkes folks to be on the teevee, live and in color.

Crowds of local citizens are expected to fill The Square Friday evening to welcome the WJBF-TV News Channel 6 "Your Hometown" tour to Washington, showcasing the attractions of Wilkes County to the Augusta area audience. News- "We want everybody to come out and be on TV Friday afternoon," said Tourism Director Ashley Barnett. "We're going to have the Tiger Band and tons of people here, so I encourage the whole community to come out and be in the crowd during the newscast," Barnett said. "Everybody come out and shop, eat, visit, and have a good time Friday afternoon."

Churches, civic clubs, school groups, and others are invited to join the crowd on The Square that day and use the opportunity for fundraisers, WJBF-TV production manager Scott Elledge. "The Square and the Fitzpatrick Hotel capture the essence of Washington, and it's the perfect setting. With a big crowd, it'll look great."

Friday's activities will start at noon with Channel 6 weather anchor Matt Monroe broadcasting the weather live from the Washington Farmers Market.

Channel 6 reporter Fraendy Clarveaux and photojournalist Parren Sanders interviewed Motown pioneer Chico Leverett (photo at far left) and factory owners Kerry McAvoy Jr. (at left, above) and Kerry Sr. in preparation for Friday's visit.

The news team, with anchors Brad Means, Jennie Montgomery, and George Myers, will roll into Washington about noon on a big tour bus, Barnett said, visiting Washington- Wilkes Elementary School, the Pliant Corporation, a historic home, and other sites, in preparation for broadcasting its 90-minute newscasts from 5 to 6:30 p.m. live from The Square.

A news crew was in Wilkes County Tuesday to do additional stories on several subjects chosen by the station's news department, Barnett said. "They picked stories on Chico Leverett, the timber industry here, on newcomers, downtown redevelopment, on our history, and on God's Marketplace."

All week, commercials for Washington Wilkes businesses and organizations have been airing on the Augusta ABC affiliate, and the Friday event is being promoted with on-air spots frequently this week. Local businesses are taking the opportunity to advertise during the newscasts, WJBF's Pete Michenfelder said, with special packages and promotions.

The live newscasts come at a time when tourists bring critical dollars into Wilkes County, Barnett said. The live newscasts come just a week before the annual Spring Tour of Homes and The Masters, and advertisers are expecting to reach potential customers from all over the Augusta/CSRA area and draw them to Washington to shop and stay throughout the spring and summer.