Warm weather led to strong SEWE crowds

  • Allyson Bird
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  • Posted: Wednesday, February 23, 2011 12:01 a.m.
    UPDATED: Friday, March 23, 2012 6:56 p.m.
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Crowds gather in Marion Square Friday during the 29th annual Southeastern Wildlife Exposition.
Leroy Burnell /Crowds gather in Marion Square Friday during the 29th annual Southeastern Wildlife Exposition.

Last weekend’s Southeastern Wildlife Exposition attracted about 40,000 people, marking a 21 percent growth from last year’s ice-affected attendance and a big step ahead of the usual crowd of 35,000 people.

“After such a nasty winter, it was clear by the crowds in our outdoor venues that people were glad to have reason to come out and enjoy the sunshine,” said Jimmy Huggins, SEWE president and chief executive. “While traffic was steady in our indoor venues and exhibits, and audiences were good for our presentations and lectures, the huge crowds everyone was talking about were outside.”

Souvenir and refreshment sales both jumped, but art sales still fell about one-third below the goal, according to organizers. Because of a bleak economy and last year’s snowstorm, the annual event has been operating at a deficit of more than $300,000.

Read more in tomorrow’s editions of The Post and Courier.