Tag Archive for: #angelaallen

TownTalk: Spring Events In Granville County

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Anyone who attempts to keep up with Granville Tourism Director Angela Allen better be wearing a good pair of sneakers. Or better yet, roller skates. Between now and the end of April, she’ll be putting a lot of miles on her car to attend all the events scheduled for Granville County.

“We’ve got tons of stuff going on,” Allen told Bill Harris on Thursday’s TownTalk. “We’ve got some very creative people around here in Granville County – and they love spring.”

From egg hunts to traditional Scottish games, there’s something for residents and visitors over the next couple of months. “We do have so many people come to visit,” Allen said, adding that Granville County “may be small, but it’s definitely mighty and definitely welcoming to anyone who wants to come and have a good time.”

Kicking things off on Saturday, Mar. 11 is Spring Fling at the Orpheum in downtown Oxford.

This event is free to attend, but Allen said VIP ticketholders get a swag bag filled with items from downtown merchants as well as a mimosa and front-row seats to the fashion show.

Local is the name of the game at this event, which will take place from 9 a.m. to 12 noon.

The fashion show includes the latest trends from downtown retailers C2, Nan’s Fashions and Bobo’s.

Here’s a rundown on the other upcoming events:

Saturday & Sunday, Mar. 25-26 – The Viking Experience at The Barn at Vino in Stem. This is the second year that the Vikings invade Granville County, featuring 30+ cast members who will be in character both days to interact with those in attendance. There will be food and craft vendors on site, and lots of opportunities to participate. Weekend passes are $30, with daily passes available as well. Day passes for Saturday’s 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. events are $18; Sunday events run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and  tickets are $15. Special activities like “Viking in training fight pit” and an escape room require an extra fee.

Folks came from all over the country for last year’s event, Allen said. “I’m excited to see it again and (see) what they’ve added for this year.”

Friday, Mar. 31

Cedar Creek Gallery opens its studios and then plans to be open for the next two weekends, offering demonstrations in glass blowing, pottery and woodturning, just to name a few. There will be live music and different food trucks each day of the festival, rain or shine.

Saturday, Apr. 1, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

  • Carlee Farms “Eggstravaganza” eaturing local food and craft vendors, as well as a photo session with the Easter Bunny and a petting zoo. Admission to the event is free; proceeds benefit Tar River Elementary School.
  • “Paws for Granville” 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at The Barn at Vino. Dinner, silent auction and musical entertainment to benefit the Humane Society and the Granville County Animal Services. Tickets are $35 and available on the Paws For Granville Facebook page.

Sunday, Apr. 2, 1-3 p.m.

            3rd annual Easter Egg hunt at The Barn at Vino. No charge to attend, but $15 per child to participate in egg hunt, which includes a photo with the Easter Bunny. Kids 3 and under will have a special spot roped off for them and the kids 4 and older will be in a larger area. Look up the event on Eventbrite or find out more information on the Barn at Vino Facebook page.

Saturday Apr. 8, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

            Jimbo’s Backyard BBQ at The Barn at Vino. Tickets $15, $30 for People’s Choice. Proceeds benefit Wreaths Across America. Find ticket info on Jimbo’s Backyard BBQ or the Barn at Vino Facebook pages

Food  and vendor trucks will be on site, and beer and wine will be available for purchase.

Saturday, Apr. 22, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Granville Gardeners present the 2nd full-fledged expo at the Granville County Expo and Convention Center. What began as an herb sale a few years ago has become a daylong event that includes workshops and demonstrations, as well as dozens of craft vendors and local growers who share information about plants and gardening.

Celebrate Earth Day at the Expo. Learn more at www.thegranvillegardeners.org

Saturday, Apr. 29, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Oxford Main Street Art and Wine, featuring live music and a whole mix of craft vendors, artists and wine tasting. The event is free, but tickets are required for the wine-tasting. Beer and wine are available for purchase at The Hub on Main.

Allen said she likes the experience of mixing culture and art with this event.

Saturday, Apr. 29, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Come to the campus of Central Children’s Home, 211 W. Antioch Drive, Oxford for the 2nd annual Central Carolina Highland Games. “This one’s for all my Braveheart fans,” Allen said. This daylong series of Scottish athletic events, from caber toss to stone’s throw, features pipe band performances and traditional Scottish dancers.

What’s a caber, you ask? Here’s Allen’s explanation: “I am talking about a huge big tree that people sign up to throw across a field,” she said.

Admission is free, and parking is $20. Proceeds benefit the Central Children’s Home.

Visit https://www.centralhighlandgames.com/ to learn more.

There’s so much planning and organizing that goes in to making these events happen, Allen said. “It’s pretty awesome to see this displayed in our community.” People get to “have fun, give back and learn something new.”

And, as always, find out more about all the things going on in Granville County at Allen’s webpage, www.visitgranvillenc.com

 

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Granville County Tourism

Town Talk 09/24/20: Location, Array of Activities Credited for Granville’s Increased Tourism Dollars

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100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

Angela Allen, director of the Granville County Tourism Development Authority, appeared on WIZS’ Town Talk Thursday at 11 a.m.

Allen discussed the recent announcement that visitor spending in Granville County for 2019 represented an increase of 4.5 percent over the previous year.

According to the annual study by Visit North Carolina, a part of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, visitor spending in Granville totaled $54.79 million last year, compared to the $52.44 million reported in 2018.

“I’m very pleased about last year and the things we were able to do to bring in visitors,” said Allen. “I go back to the same basic things that attract people to our area, including our proximity to the Triangle and our laid-back, family atmosphere.”

According to a recent press release, visitor spending in Granville County has seen a steady increase over the past decade – from $37 million reported in 2010 to approximately $55 million in 2019.

Allen attributes the increase in visitor spending to the local economic growth seen in the opening of new restaurants and retail establishments, the expansion of outdoor trail and park opportunities and the County’s new ‘Uniquely Carolina’ marketing campaign.

Acknowledging that the COVID-19 pandemic and its resulting restrictions will affect tourism spending for the foreseeable future, Allen said recent reports of increased visitors at the NC coast and mountains left her feeling hopeful about what she called the “filtering” of tourism dollars.

“The beaches and the mountains are our guinea pigs at this point,” Allen explained. “If people feel safe enough to go to those types of areas, then I think it will trickle down to people being more apt to go back to their rural areas and even some urban areas. I’m looking at it as a positive thing because at least people are getting out.”

To learn more, visit www.visitgranvillenc.com or contact Allen by phone at (919) 693-6125 or by email at angela.allen@granvillecounty.org.

To hear the interview in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.

Granville County Tourism

Town Talk 09/03/20: Granville Tourism Announces Labor Day Weekend Activities

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100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

Angela Allen, director of the Granville County Tourism Development Authority, appeared on WIZS’ Town Talk Thursday at 11 a.m.

Allen encouraged residents to go outside and enjoy the end-of-summer weather. “I would definitely advise people to get outside this weekend. It’s going to be a beautiful Labor Day weekend in Granville County.”

Outdoor Activities:

Granville Athletic Park (GAP) – open seven days a week from dawn until dusk, the GAP features over three miles of walking trails, baseball and softball fields, regulation soccer fields, a splash park and playgrounds. The GAP is located at 4615 Belltown Road, just off I-85 in Oxford.

The park was recently added to the list of destinations on the Quilt Trails of the Tar and Roanoke Rivers with the installation of a quilt block on its historic tobacco barn.

The block was installed by the Franklin County Arts Council, connecting the GAP and Granville County to a heritage trail that meanders through eastern North Carolina. Easily visible from the main parking lot and walking trail, the block’s design reflects the community’s efforts to preserve the GAP property (click here for the history of the GAP).

Lake Devin – open to the public year-round, Lake Devin in Oxford offers fishing, 2.5 miles of walking trails, kayaking, dock and boat ramp.

Lake Rogers – covering over 175 acres just northwest of downtown Creedmoor, Lake Rogers offers several picnic shelters, boat rentals and light concessions.

Lake Holt – offers fishing opportunities, kayaking, canoeing and paddle boating in Butner.

Hix Dog Park – the first dog park in Granville County, Hix allows dogs to run and play inside a fenced-in area. Shady spots and benches located inside the park provide pet owners comfort while they watch the dogs socialize and exercise. Located at 300 Williamsboro Street in Oxford.

Ledge Creek Forest Conservation Area – features five miles of hiking and walking trails. Trail difficulty ranges from easy to moderate. Hikers will enjoy seeing fields being restored to forest, wildflower meadows and wildlife sightings as they traverse the trails. Located at 3189 Brogden Road in Stem.

Gauntlet Fitness & Walking Trail – the 1.1-mile trail is outfitted with a variety of fitness stations designed to challenge hikers. The Gauntlet is the work of Jonathan Gaudette, who worked on the project in pursuit of his Eagle Scout badge. Located at 2186 Brassfield Road in Creedmoor.

Allen announced there will also be a great indoor event this weekend at the Cedar Creek Gallery in Creedmoor – the National Teapot Show XI. The show features over 200 teapots by more than 150 artisans. Styles include traditional, contemporary, functional, conceptual and whimsical teapots created with a variety of materials.

Cedar Creek Gallery has hosted this show every three years for the past thirty years. The show continues through Monday, September 7, 2020. The gallery is located at 1150 Fleming Road in Creedmoor. Please visit Cedar Creek’s website for additional information (click here).

Looking ahead to the fall and holiday season, Allen said upcoming event details will be finalized and announced soon. With the recent announcement that the City of Oxford has canceled the annual downtown trick-or-treat event and recommends no city-wide or neighborhood candy collections this year due to COVID, Allen said there are still Halloween attractions to keep people entertained.

“I’m happy to announce the Granville Haunt Farm will be open in October, though it will look a little different this year,” said Allen. “They will be the first NC drive-thru haunted attraction.”

Beginning the season October 9, the farm will be open every Friday and Saturday for the remainder of October. Visitors will be able to enjoy a contact-free haunt experience from the safety of their own vehicles, Allen explained. Granville Haunt Farm is located at 4534 US Hwy 15 in Oxford.

“Even during the pandemic, people want to get out,” said Allen. “They may not travel as far as they use to travel, but we are just 30-45 minutes down the road from Raleigh and Durham, and offer plenty to do.”

For more information, including additional events and attractions, please visit Granville Tourism online at www.visitgranvillenc.com or via Facebook at Visit Granville County, NC.

To hear the interview in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.

Granville Tourism Development Authority Wins Regional Award

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-Press Release, Granville County Government

At their annual Southeast Tourism Society (STS) Connections Conference held in Little Rock, Arkansas, Granville County’s Tourism Director Angela Allen and the Granville County Tourism Development Authority (TDA) was recognized with the Best Marketing Shining Example Award for its “Uniquely Carolina” campaign.

Granville County Tourism Director Angela Allen was recently recognized with the “Shining Example” award by the Southeast Tourism Society. (Photo courtesy Granville Co. Govt.)

The “Uniquely Carolina” brand was unveiled at the 2019 Hot Sauce Festival this past September and has already received top honors by the North Carolina Travel Association. According to Allen, the need to refresh the brand was long overdue, as there was no consistent or unique brand message to deliver a compelling reason to visit Granville County.

As part of the re-branding process, Allen and the TDA Board of Directors interviewed over 100 county stakeholders, including industry partners, government officials, community leaders and local volunteers. They also conducted focus groups, with community outreach including the completion of surveys to residents, community leaders and teachers.

“We developed our brand with input from those in the community,” Allen explains. “Granville County offers outdoor spaces where visitors can come and relax, festivals and venues where they can gather with friends, and shops, restaurants, farms and markets where they can step away and discover Granville County. We really feel the new brand and identity captures our county and the tourism community.”

The Southeast Tourism Society is comprised of all states in the southeast, stretching beyond the Mississippi River to include Missouri, Arkansas and Louisiana. STS brings together tourism professionals from the state and local levels who share the mutual belief that regional promotion of tourism creates a powerful marketing alliance.

As part of this partnership, STS evaluates marketing programs of the 13 states in the southeast region, selecting three as the “best of the best.” The three winners are identified by size: smaller community, mid-size, and large city/state levels.

“We are thrilled to see Angela Allen win a Shining Example award for such a great campaign,” said Wit Tuttell, Vice-President of Tourism and Marketing for North Carolina. “This campaign does an excellent job focusing on the authentic experiences in Granville. That’s exactly what visitors want to know, and it fits perfectly with our efforts to promote ‘Firsts That Last’ for people who visit North Carolina.”

Additionally, the state of North Carolina was recognized with the marketing award on the state level.

“We are part of the Carolinas,” Angela further explains. “North Carolina has an incredibly positive image with residents and travelers. We want to continue to capture and reflect the attraction of being in North Carolina, so for the professionals across STS to recognize the work in Granville as the best across all 13 states in the region is actually a tribute to the whole community.”

For more information about Granville County’s “Uniquely Carolina” campaign, or to find out more about the local tourism industry, contact Allen at 919-693-6125 or at angela.allen@granvillecounty.org. Those interested in the local events and attractions that bring visitors to our area can also visit www.visitgranvillenc.com.

Granville Co. Tourism Director Recipient of Scholarship

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-Press Release, Granville County Government

Granville County Tourism Development Director Angela Allen is attending the Southeast Tourism Society (STS) Marketing College May 12 through May 17. The session covers a broad-based curriculum of courses designed to teach marketing techniques from all facets of the tourism industry.

Allen was named the recipient of a full scholarship through the Miles Partnership, a worldwide marketing services team which helps promote travel experiences, to attend this session. A selection committee comprised of industry professionals notified Allen in February that she had been chosen for this scholarship, which covers tuition and accommodations.

“The scholarship selection committee recognizes your hard work and dedication to the tourism industry in North Carolina,” Allen’s award notification read. “We are pleased to offer you this scholarship in support of your continued success.”

This is the second time Allen has received this scholarship from the Miles Partnership. The 2017 “Rising Star” of the North Carolina Tourism Industry Association continues to gain leadership and marketing skills at this training session, which is being held on the campus of the University of North Georgia in Dahlonega, GA.

Granville County Tourism Development Director Angela Allen is attending the Southeast Tourism Society (STS) Marketing College May 12 through May 17. The session covers a broad-based curriculum of courses designed to teach marketing techniques from all facets of the tourism industry. (Photo courtesy Granville Co. Govt.)

 

 

 

Brides on Wheels

“Brides on Wheels” to Offer Bridal Couples Tour of Granville Vendors

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Angela Allen, director for the Granville County Tourism Development Authority, was on Thursday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program to discuss the second Annual “Brides on Wheels: Bridal Tour & Vendor Show,” or “BOWs” for short, taking place Sunday, April 14, 2019.

“This event gives brides and their guests an opportunity to ride on a limo bus to view four different venues, including Granville County’s own Cedar Grove Acres, Vino Oasi, Carlee Farms and Thorndale Oaks,” said Allen.

The bridal tour will depart the Clarion Inn and Suites located at 913 MLK Ave. in Oxford, NC at 1 p.m. and will return at 6 p.m. Prior to the tour, the Clarion Inn will be the site of a public vendor show to be held in the ballroom from 12 until 4 p.m.

Participants who purchase the $35 combo ticket for the tour and the show will have a sneak-peek opportunity of the vendors’ ware in the Clarion ballroom beginning at 11 a.m. This combo ticket also includes a goodie bag filled with items from participating vendors. Seating is limited.

Tickets for the vendor show only are available for $20.

To promote the local area, Granville County vendors have first dibs on registration for the show. “We invite all Granville County vendors involved in the event planning business, such as photographers, caterers, florists and DJs, to participate,” Allen said.

All interested Granville vendors are asked to register by this Friday, February 15, 2019. After Friday, vendor registration will be open to areas outside of the county.

“We really want to showcase all of the wonderful things we have right here in Granville County to offer brides and anyone who wants to put together a special event,” said Allen.

According to Allen, last year’s tour – the first annual event – attracted eight brides, one groom and their family members, and was considered a success. “I’m happy to say three out of the four venues were booked from that particular tour. We had a diverse group of brides – some from the local area, some from Raleigh and some from the Greensboro/High Point area.”

Created as a way to promote Granville County, Allen said the bridal tour and show boosts the local economy, promotes local vendors and makes both residents and nonresidents alike aware of what the county has to offer.

“We’re not that far away; I-85 makes us very convenient to a lot of people,” Allen said. “Come hop on the bus with us!”

Tickets are available through Event Brite. Please click here to follow the event on Facebook.

Interested brides, family members or vendors may contact Allen at (919) 693-6125 or email angela.allen@granvillecounty.org with additional questions or for registration assistance.

To hear the Town Talk interview with Angela Allen in its entirety, including additional conversation regarding tourism in Granville County, please click here.

Granville County Logo

Granville County sees 3% Boost in Tourism Spending

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Visit North Carolina announced that domestic visitors to and within Granville spent $47.08 million in 2016, a 3% increase from 2015.

“We are excited to hear that Granville has made a 3% increase in the last two years due to collaborations with area hotels, retail shops, restaurants, farms, parks and recreation, and events to promote our area as a destination for many travelers.” said Angela Allen, Granville TDA Director.

Tourism impact highlights for 2016:

  • Total payroll generated by the tourism industry in Granville was $6.02 million.
  • State tax revenue generated in Granville totaled $2.81 million through state sales and excise taxes, and taxes on personal and corporate income. About $1.33 million in local taxes were generated from sales and property tax revenue from travel-generated and travel-supported businesses.

Gov. Roy Cooper announced in May that visitors to North Carolina set a record for spending in 2016. The $22.9 billion in total spending represented an increase of 4.4 percent from 2015.

These statistics are from the “Economic Impact of Travel on North Carolina Counties 2016,” which can be accessed at partners.visitnc.com/economic-impact-studies. The study was prepared for Visit North Carolina by the U.S. Travel Association.

“All eight economic development regions of the state had spending growth of 3 percent or more, and 96 percent of the state’s counties saw direct tourism employment growth from 2015 to 2016,” said Wit Tuttell, executive director of Visit North Carolina. “Tourism continues to be major driver of economic development across North Carolina, which is the sixth most-visited state in the country.”

Statewide highlights include:

  • State tax receipts as a result of visitor spending rose 5.1 percent to nearly $1.2 billion in 2016.

 

  • Visitors spend more than $62 million per day in North Carolina. That spending adds more than $5.1 million per day to state and local tax revenues (about $3.2 million in state taxes and $1.9 million in local taxes).

 

  • The travel and tourism industry directly employees more than 219,000 North Carolinians.

 

  • Each North Carolina household saves $497 in state and local taxes as a direct result of visitor spending in the state.

TRAC in Granville County Region – WIZS Live Broadcast

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Thursday May 18th from 10 am to 2 pm, tourism-related businesses in Granville County and the surrounding region will have an opportunity to work with Visit North Carolina staff to learn about its research, development and marketing services, and discuss best practices in reaching travelers, the media and increasing tourism visitation and spending. Visit North Carolina’s Tourism Resource Assistance Center (TRAC), a community-based training program designed to help small tourism-related businesses, will be held at Cedar Creek Gallery located on 1150 Fleming Road in Creedmoor.  The gallery offers for sale the work of over 200 of America’s most accomplished craftspeople in a unique, relaxing atmosphere.  For more information about the gallery, log onto www.cedarcreekgallery.com.  The event will also feature the Baton Rouge Cuisine Food Truck providing authentic, fresh Cajun & Soul food for sale.

Log onto https://www.brcuisine.com/ for menu.

There is no charge to attend TRAC, no reservation is required, and there are no PowerPoint presentations. This is a come-when-you-can/stay-as-long-as-you’d-like event opportunity for all tourism-related businesses to meet one-on-one with program managers to discuss better ways to promote their property or event. TRAC brings Visit North Carolina’s program managers to local communities to discuss the nuts and bolts of working with the organization. This invaluable program is designed to help tourism-related businesses engage more fully with programs offered by Visit North Carolina and its partners.

WIZS will broadcast live from the event from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. for interested citizens and business owners that may not have the opportunity to attend.

Representatives from the EDPNC’s BLNC, N.C. Dept. of Commerce, N.C. Dept. of Natural & Cultural Resources, GotToBe NC Agri-Tourism and NC GreenTravel will also be on hand to discuss services they can provide businesses, including strategic planning, assisting with identifying funding sources and serving as liaisons with other local, state and federal agencies. For additional information on this session or to learn more about scheduling a TRAC visit to your community, contact André Nabors at (919) 447-7771.

In addition, Angela Allen, Tourism Director for Granville County will also be in attendance to share with restaurants, retail stores, events and attractions on how she can help drive visitors to Granville and their businesses.  Please feel free to contact her at 919-693-6125 or log onto www.visitgranvillenc.com .

Granville Chamber to Host 75th Annual Banquet

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The Granville County Chamber’s Annual Banquet has been scheduled for Monday evening, January 30th, 6:30 pm in Vance-Granville Community College’s Main Campus Civic Center.

The evening will once again include the presentation of the Chamber’s most prestigious award, the John Penn Citizen of the Year Award, recognizing outstanding community service.  The Chamber’s Board of Directors is requesting that member businesses who are/will celebrate a significant business anniversary in 2017 notify the Chamber to be recognized – 5, 10, + years.

In celebration of 75 years, a very special program has been planned that is patriotic and indicative of the 1940’s when our Chamber was founded.  “Letters from Home – The Patriot” stars Erinn Diaz, America’s Bombshell Patriot.  This is “an exhilarating, energized, patriotic show that will have you singing, dancing, laughing, elbowing the person next to you and just bringing back amazing memories and definitely creating new ones.  Erinn Diaz’ ageless tape dancing, timeless singing and goofy interaction with the audience members will have you ‘hootin’ and a hollerin’ for a long time.’

Banquet sponsors are:  Duke Energy/Presenting Sponsor; BB&T, CertainTeed, Granville Health System, The School of Graphic Arts Print and Design Center and Vanness Chevrolet.

A buffet dinner will be provided. Tickets are $40 each.  Corporate tables of 8, with reserved seating, are available for $300.00.  Corporate tables of 10, reserved seating, are available for $380.00.  Tickets/reservations are required prior to the event.  Checks or credit card payments are accepted by contacting one of the Chamber’s offices –  919.693.6125/Wanda, wanda@granville-chamber.com or 919.528.4994/Toni Anne, tawheeler@granville-chamber.com.