1996
Carolyn Crayton, CFEE described her Hall of Fame nomination as deeply overwhelming and a great honor.
Nearly 15 years ago, Crayton founded the International Cherry Blossom Festival in Macon, Georgia with a budget of $0 and one unpaid employee. Today her festival budget has bloomed to $400,000 and she employs a full-time staff of 13.
Her greatest accomplishment she says is founding a celebration that has been rated by 93% of their citizens as the most outstanding, exciting and enjoyable event in their city. Not only is the event fun, it's profitable too. The Cherry Blossom Festival has a $10 Million impact on the city and county.
Crayton has received numerous awards and honors throughout her career. Among them are Georgia Clean and Beautiful's, Woman of the Year Award; Mrs. Lyndon B. Johnson Award by Keep America Beautiful; Ladies Home Journal's American Heroine Award and the Queen Mother's Award presented by Keep Britain Tidy - the only time this honor has been awarded outside the U.K.
Crayton has served on the IFEA Board of Directors and the Executive Board.