Hello Patrick,
It’s been a while since we last talked, and a lot has happened. The Front Porch Fest and the Dominion Valley Labor Day Gospel sessions just concluded this weekend. Both events were successful, with many attendees camping and enjoying all the activities. Our Marketing Manager, Grace Cooper, had a fantastic time at the Front Porch Fest, while our Tourism Council member, Jeanie Clark, hosted one of the Labor Day gospel shows. Other team members were also involved in our marketing efforts in the county.
I had the opportunity to set up at the Curtis Turner 100th Birthday Celebration hosted by the Floyd County Historical Society. We had a great turnout, with several hundred people in attendance. We also unveiled our new brochure for the Mountain Spirit Trail, a driving trail through Floyd, Franklin, and Patrick counties. This trail aims to continue telling the history of moonshining in our three counties. If you’d like a brochure, please pick one up at our visitors’ center.
Looking forward, the Amazing Sunflower trail at Doe Run Farms is open for visitors to enjoy. Our county fair began on the 10th, and the Rotary Club would love to welcome all of you. Later this month, the PCMA will host another Song Writers Series at the historic Star Theater; tickets are going fast.
There are many more events scheduled throughout the county—too many to list here. You can check out our events calendar on our website for more information.
Lastly, I am excited to share that I am the new Director of Economic Development and Tourism. I am looking forward to this opportunity, and I hope you will support me as we look for new growth opportunities. Tourism and economic development go hand in hand, and I am excited to showcase our county’s greatness. This will be an ongoing effort, and I look forward to working on promoting our assets. Take care, my friends, and remember, “Come get lost and find yourself here.” Talk to you soon, love you!
James Houchins: Director of Economic Development and Tourism.
