Staff reports | Sales at the Southeastern Wildlife Exhibition held from Feb. 17 to 18 were up 30 percent over 2016, which festival staffers say shows how the event that attracted 43,000 people was a resounding success.

“It was an incredible weekend,” said John Powell, SEWE executive director. “The crowds at outdoor venues were historic, artists and buyers from all over the US were here and enjoyed themselves thoroughly, locals and out of towners came in droves to enjoy our exhibitors, artists and live performances. There was a great energy in the city last weekend and I feel like we successfully fulfilled our mission.”

Also inside: Free admission to county parks on March 5; State online business filings system launches; Panel on food insecurity: Green and Staffords to be honored; summer camp registration.