Downtown Washington will be awash in activity next weekend as the annual Washington Summer Festival returns for its 36^th year running. Amidst the fun and amusements the festival has to offer, a Friday night concert featuring the Embers with Craig Woolard will be one of the highlights of the weekend.

While the Embers are a returning performance for the festival, there’s a new twist on the concert this year. For the first time, the Washington-Beaufort County Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors are offering special VIP access to the concert at a cost of $15 per person.

For the cost, Chamber Ambassadors President Larrt Lang says the passes are well worth the value. The funds raised from the VIP passes will in turn allow the Ambassadors to promote and honor local businesses through ribbon cuttings, awards and other special recognitions.

“We present awards to businesses that are making a difference, like our Making a Better Beaufort County Award,” Lang said. “So when we make that presentation, we’re raising those funds someway, somehow to be able to pay for that plaque or make that award.”

Included with each pass is:

• Private section seating with direct view of Craig Woolard and the Embers performing on the Festival Park Stage and easy dance area access
• Between sets meet and greet and photo opportunity with famous local singer/songwriter Craig Woolard
• A gourmet snack pack from Carryout by Chrislyn
• One free cold 20 oz. soda or water and a $1 discount on additional cold drinks from the Coke drink booth adjacent to the VIP seating area.

Only 100 tickets are available, and sales will continue through noon next Friday. Passes can be purchased at three locations in Washington:

• Washington/Beaufort County Chamber on Water Street
• Coldwell Banker Coastal Rivers Realty on Main Street (see Beth Byrd)
• First Bank on 15th Street (see Larry Lang)