Someone who lives and works outside of Wilson County can be an "Honorary Citizen for the Day" in downtown Wilson.

But what this honor really boils down to a free parking pass for the visitor.

In an effort to promote good public relations, the Wilson Downtown Development Corp. is giving downtown guests a free "Honorary Citizen" parking pass.

The person just needs to visit a venue such as the Wilson Chamber of Commerce and pick up a paper proclamation card signed by Mayor Bruce Rose and place it on their dashboard.

Bowie Gray, chairman of WDDC's public relations committee, came up with the idea after visiting Alexandria, Va., where similar parking passes were used.

"It's kind of a feel-good thing," he said.

WDDC will also keep track of who the passes were issued to by name and mailing address. Afterward, WDDC can use their addresses and send visitors postcards saying, "Hope you had a nice visit to Wilson. Come back and see us again."

"It doesn't cost a lot," Gray said. "Just makes people feel good."

The proclamation reads as follows:

"The Mayor of the City of Wilson hereby proclaims you an Honorary Citizen for the day. This certificate entitles the bearer to park without fee in any 2 hour metered or on-street parking space for a period of 24 hours ending at the expiration time and date shown below."

The free parking passes will be at the Chamber, Wilson Visitors Bureau, the business incubator and the Wilson Arts Council.

keeter@wilsontimes.com | 265-7817