The "Expo 2011: The Future Form of Historic Beaufort" kicked off today and something very unexpected happened -- there was a crowd in downtown Beaufort.

The expo is at the history Verdier House and features 16 visions of what various parts of downtown Beaufort could look like in the near future, and is designed to grease the thought gears of city planners and the community.

That gathering was paired with a photography show down the street at Lipsitz, "Treasures in the Attic," by local photographers Susan DeLoach and Paul Nurnberg.

At both events a respectable crowd could be found and organizers seemed more than pleased with the turnout.

The Expo remains open to the public though the end of October (details) when the judges will announce the winners, votes for the "people's choice" award will be taken throughout the month. The photo exhibition moves to Shoofly Kitchen at 1209 Boundary Street and will remain on display with new photos being added during the month.

16 designs are on display in three rooms, each design is for a particular portion of downtown.

A crowd gathered in and around Lipsitz for the photography exhibit.