Bobby Williamson

"Jubilee" is the theme of the July Fourth Friday bash, which takes place on July 23 beginning at 6 p.m. "We'll have vendors, rock music from Legal Tender and a live auction, where we'll have a lot of stuff from local merchants," says Bobby Williamson, executive director of the Westerville Visitors and Convention Bureau."Last year we had everything from lithographs from the David Myers Art Gallery to massage sessions, dinner certificates and overnight stays."

August's Fourth Friday (Aug. 27) marks the return of the popular Dog Days of Summer."This year will be better than ever," Williamson says.

"It is a very hands-on, participatory event for the family," says Bobby Williamson, executive director of the Westerville Visitors and Convention Bureau.
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George Abbott and community service aide Marci Fried-Hays of the Westerville Police Department worked with Williamson to create the event.

Proceeds from the fund-raiser at Carrabba's Italian Grill will be split 50/50, according to Bobby Williamson, executive director of the Westerville Visitors and Convention Bureau.

The bureau is handling the ticket sales and as of last week, about 80 of the 300 available tickets had been sold, he said.

Bobby Williamson, the Visitors & Convention Bureau's executive director, said its new location on West Main Street allows it to have storefront visibility in the Uptown area.

"We knew that we needed to be in the heart of Westerville," he said.

"We're pleased as punch to be here."

Williamson said the bureau plans to take advantage of the office's front window, where event listings and member businesses will be featured.

"We're working hard to promote the product of Westerville," he said.

The bureau had been located at 64 E. Walnut St. since last May, according to Williamson.Prior to that, it was housed at 28 S. State St. for more than five years.

The city provided the bureau's housing at both locations, according to Williamson, but is not paying to lease its new space on West Main Street.

He added that the city and city council have been very supportive of the bureau.For the past few years, he said, the bureau has received additional discretionary funds from the city in the form of lodging tax.

"We could not do it without the city leaders," Williamson said.

The goal is to create a family-oriented attraction that will eventually draw residents and guests alike to its shores, according to Bobby Williamson of the Westerville Visitors & Convention Bureau.

The panel that chose the winning design included city of Westerville officials, Cheryl & Co. employees and Bobby Williamson, executive director of the Westerville Visitors and Convention Bureau.

Bureau executive director Bobby Williamson said the Fourth Friday vendors will go from 6 to 9 p.m.

Bobby Williamson, the bureau's executive director, said Fourth Fridays give people a reason to celebrate Westerville and to visit Uptown, which he called "the anchor of Westerville."
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The Columbus Crew will also be present at this year's Fourth Friday events, Williamson said.The Westerville Public Library will host storytelling for children in Rotary Park at each event as well.

For "April is Art," the Westerville Visitors and Convention Bureau is partnering with the radio station and the Columbus Crew, and with Buchanan Medical Arts and Gallery 202 Partners in Art.

Art will be displayed in store windows and an artistic game of musical chairs will be played on West College Avenue every half-hour, starting at 6:30 p.m., according to Williamson.

Bobby Williamson, Glenda Mihaly