Video: Columbus Spring Pilgrimage Ends

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COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) — The Columbus Pilgrimage has ended but visitors continue pouring into the Friendly City. Organizers of this year’s annual 75th celebration say the event exceeded their expectations from beginning to end.

Even though spring pilgrimage has come and gone, there is a Tuesday gathering at the majestic Whitehall on the Pilgrimage tour of antebellum homes.

“Began everything on March 28th with the Chronicles of the Blue and the Gray. And we had over 1,200 people for the concert which was not only well received and well attended, but it was a great way to begin our two weeks or more,” said Nancy Carpenter/CEO Visit Columbus.

Even though this pilgrimage is now one for the history books, 27 Australians remain in the Friendly City, taking in the sites.

“You know we advertise on an international basis, so we are not surprised and this is a literary group,” said Nancy Carpenter.

“I think they are particularly wowed by the hospitality of the south. We have been greeted at every museum, at every writer’s home with smiles, cups of sweet tea, a wonderfully warm welcome. Fabulous food, and also a real wealth of information,” said Susannah Fullerton/Australian Tour Guide.

“It’s a way to bring guests into our city and have them come and visit and spend the night,” said Carpenter.

“We had a really good crowd and they came from all over, not just from Mississippi but Alabama, and Louisiana, as well. Even some from Tennessee which was very exciting to see,” said Sharon Long/GM-Hampton Inn & Suites.

In the meantime plans, even now includes preparations to bring in even bigger crowds to the Friendly City.

“Its been a journey through history, a journey through a beautiful landscape and of course a journey through great novels, poems, and plays. So its been very special indeed,” said Susannah Fullerton/Australian Tour Guide.

Although this year’s Spring Pilgrimage exceeded all expectations, financial assessments and figures will be made available at a later date.