City Commission Chairman Bert Wood and Main Street Manager Paul Pitts escorted the contingent into town, with the help of the city police and Georgia State Patrol.
Pitts said he heard optimistic comments from the group about the tour.
“We were delighted. We had great response on the bus. They asked questions, seemed interested and impressed.
“I certainly hope to see some positive results from this,” Pitts said.
The tour was sponsored by the Georgia’s Cities Foundation, which was formed by the Georgia Municipal Association to assist cities in their efforts to enhance downtown areas. The Foundation serves as a partner and facilitator in the funding of capital projects, technical assistance and training.
Bus participants ranged from business leaders, state legislators, state economic and development officials, government policy makers, key community leaders and media from throughout Georgia as well as GMA staff members.
Cedartown was chosen as one of only 12 cities that were visited by the Foundation.
Wednesday, crowds of spectators lined the sidewalk in front of the Welcome Center on Main Street, where the bus stopped for about 10 minutes, allowing bus participants a brief chance to visit with city officials and wave to the many greeters.
Local paraylmpic athlete Krige Schabort was also present during the ceremony, adorned in his racing uniform and racing pod, promoting the upcoming annual wheelchair training camp for the Peachtree Road Race.
Likewise, several Polk County Chamber officials, ministers and city employees were on hand.
Aside from the short visit at the Welcome Center, the tour also highlighted a few city attractions, including the business park near Davis Road, Peeks Park and the city complex, before the group headed to LaGrange, sometime around 2:30 p.m.
On the ride over from Rome, Wood and Pitts showed a video presentation that featured the downtown area. Pitts said the downtown’s design, the rebuilding of a depot and the Welcome Center were all featured.
Wood echoed the sentiment of Pitts, shortly after departing the bus in town, saying the bus participants were impressed with the community.
Pitts commended the city for its efforts in planning the special welcoming celebration.
“This was a tremendous job by all city officials and the community in preparing for this. It was a proud moment,” he said.
Many of the spectators in attendance were transported to the Welcome Center through the courtesy of a city bus, which was offered to the public in a city sponsored bus tour.
Riders were escorted throughout the city, touring the parks, landmarks, water plants and museum sites.
Additionally, Historical Society members offered stories about the sites on the tour.
Other cities included on the tour were: Decatur, Cartersville, Rome, Columbus, Americus, Parrott, Albany, Tifton, Macon and Monticello.
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