Surveys conflict on Roots 'N Blues impact

An unscientific Central Columbia Association survey indicates sales downtown might have been below average during this fall’s Roots ’N Blues ’N BBQ Festival, a contradiction to previous reports.

The survey, conducted via e-mail, was intended to give the Central Columbia Association and Roots ’N Blues organizers insight into how the annual festival affects downtown businesses. Among this year’s respondents, about 55 percent said their Friday sales were below average. Half said Saturday sales were below average.

About 500 surveys were distributed to downtown businesses, but the association received only about 10 percent of those back. Because of the small sample, Special Business District Executive Director Carrie Gartner instead relied on word of mouth from businesses to gauge the festival’s impact.