Savannah, Georgia: Mayor Otis Johnson
Savannah often is
compared to New Orleans
because it is a fun, party
town that hosts a staggering
number of annual
events. By far its largest is on St.
Patrick's Day, the city's equivalent
of Mardi Gras, when the operative
color is simply green. The parade is
the featured act and, since schools are
shut down, kids are among the vocal
participants. Sizable numbers march
as members of school bands; all are
like leprechauns – little hand-waving
ambassadors with big smiles.
For those who don't want to join the 400,000 or so revelers on St. Patrick's Day, related events provide good, wholesome fun, and many activities are geared to families. Mayor Otis S. Johnson, Ph.D., a tall man 69 years young, points out: "Leading up to our biggest day of the year, there is the selection of the parade marshal, the Irish Festival, the Shamrock Run and more. And on the night of March 17, the Hibernian Society stages its annual dinner for some 600 – men only. It is a tradition here that dates back to 1789."
Johnson elaborated on the number of festivals – some 200 – held each year, 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.
"The 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. The 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. The
Greek, Italian and Jewish communities
are able to support their own
festivals, and, of course, the public
comes, providing revenue."
Tourists will notice two interesting 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 The Crescent City, we adhere to that laissez faire attitude, but, along with the to-go-cup ordinance, we enforce the public intoxication 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 drinking and false IDs. There are 9,000 students at Savannah College of Art & Design, plus those at two state universities, along with military 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. They broaden our horizons culturally 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 tomboy
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
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 competition
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 twoterm limit in Savannah.