On April 13 2011, Downtown Covington was privileged to be a tour stop on the 2011 Heart and Soul Bus Tour, hosted by the Georgia Cities Foundation.

This annual tour was developed to share the successes of Georgia’s downtown revitalization efforts. Mayor Kimberly Carter and Planning and Zoning Director Randy Vinson showcased a number of projects and initiatives that City is currently implementing as the bus made the journey from downtown Conyers to Covington.

The riders were welcomed to the square by downtown stakeholders with a performance by the Newton High School Symphonic Band, under the direction of Jason Smith. The riders were given an escorted tour through the downtown district. The tour concluded with a Taste of Downtown Covington Lunch hosted by the Main Street Covington Food and Dining Group. A highlight of the lunch were the table cloths that had been created by Newton County Elementary Schools. The tour was a great success and an opportunity to celebrate the successes of Covington’s revitalization efforts.