By Jeremy D. Wells
Carter County Times
Memory Days planning is ongoing, through the Grayson Area Chamber of Commerce, but Grayson Tourism is doing their part to promote and support the event as well. The group voted in their regular February meeting to sponsor the event at the $5,000 level, and assisting with promotion for the bluegrass music day on Sunday, featuring the band Sideline.
The group also discussed old business relevant to the upcoming event – in particular, the Brown building. Don Combs gave an update on that property, noting they hope to have the patio area next to the building ready in time for the Memory Days event. Getting that area ready for vendors and art shows, however, is still going to take a lot of work, Combs explained. Depending on the amenities they choose to go with, the first step is to prepare the surface for either concrete or gravel surfacing. That would include laying any water lines and drains, or electrical conduit for power hookups, before the surface was laid.
They are also continuing to look at future renovations to the interior space as well. Combs said some of the renovations they are considering could make the building more readily available for Memory Days events and vendors, including local produce and other farm goods.
Tourism also approved a grant request of $1,000 for advertising support for a new summer play series being organized by the Olive Hill Center for Arts & Education and the Grayson Gallery & Art Center. The series will feature five performances of a dinner theatre play, with performances hosted at Carter Caves, the Olive Hill Center for Arts & Education, and a Grayson location that is still to be announced.
The Grayson Tourism advertising grant matches a $1,000 commitment from the Carter County Tourism Commission.
In park news tourism heard pricing quotes on coated metal benches for the park. The park manager’s report indicated his hopes that the board can sell sponsorships for a total of ten benches, at a cost of around $600 each.
Tourism also discussed fencing options for providing a buffer between the park property and surrounding homes. Though no decisions were made on what type of fencing to support at this time, tourism discussed the pros and cons of plank fencing, chain link fencing, and a combination of fencing and hedge plantings for aesthetics and to discourage folks from hopping the fence.
The tourism commission was also informed that the new parking lot at the back end of the park has now been graveled, and heard plans to begin soccer play on the fields at the park this spring.
Contact the writer at editor@cartercountytimes.com
