Rocky Mount's gateway to the Crooked Road is opened with ribbon cutting, food and music.
Over 200 people turned out for the grand opening of the eastern gateway to the Crooked Road. The starting location seems to be a topic of debate. Other towns along the road are making similar claims. This point might require some clarification for Rocky Mount's claim of being the gateway. Rocky Mount is the eastern most location of the Crooked Road which does place it at the eastern starting point for those that want to make a one way drive and visit every town along the way.
Originally, Rocky Mount was left off the Crooked Road music trail. Local delegates got together and had Rocky Mount added to the trail. It is a winding and scenic view from Rocky Mount to Bristol along the Crooked Road. The drive will take approximately six hours, one way. Tourism seems to be the core interest of the towns along the music trail. Mayor Steve Angle stated, "This is a wonderful thing for tourism."
Michael Burnette, Franklin County Tourism & Projects Manager, said, "Our future is in music."
Delegate Charles Poindexter read a statement from former delegate Allen Dudley. Many people, delegates and organizations were recognized for their hard work to make the Crooked Road in Franklin County possible. Poindexter said, "This is who we are, who we were and who we will be in the future." He recognized that the original mountain music that was prevalent throughout the western half of the state yield three types of music that we enjoy today, Country, Gospel and Bluegrass. And, in reference to the economic development that will come to Rocky Mount by being part of the Crooked Road, Poindexter said, "It is much much more."
Befitting the opening of the Crooked Road, Gabe Stalnaker, owner of the Crooked Road Banjo Company, and his band performed the last song of the day. The song was an original tune that Stalnaker wrote and composed which told about Franklin County's relation to the Crooked Road. Jonathan Dillon, the band's banjo player, was playing a Crooked Road banjo.
The grand opening ceremony closed its festivities at the Farmer's Market and proceeded to Sheriff Shively's Country Store by way of an antique car parade. The celebration continued there until 4:00 PM.
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