Keep Macon-Bibb Beautiful celebrates its 50th anniversary

"50 years, that's a long time," Keep Macon-Bibb Beautiful Executive Director Asha Ellen said.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Keep Macon-Bibb Beautiful celebrated its 50th anniversary at Vineville United Methodist Church on Thursday with its annual awards luncheon.

The awards luncheon is held to recognize various individuals, groups or companies who have helped and contributed to keeping the community beautiful over the year.

“50 years, that’s a long time, and we were one of the first affiliates in the country to start this program with Keep America Beautiful,” Keep Macon-Bibb Beautiful Executive Director Asha Ellen said. “So just the history of it, the contributions that Mrs. (Carolyn) Crayton over the years and so many others have made to our community is definitely worth celebrating, especially when you have 50 years of service.”

Keep Macon-Bibb Beautiful was originally founded by Carolyn Crayton in 1974 and has earned more than 100 national and state awards. Crayton started the Cherry Blossom Festival in 1982.

The goal of the organization has always been beautifying the city.