Tag Archive for: #vancecountytourism

Tourism Dollars Pump Up Local Economy In 2021

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Visitors to Vance County spent close to $60 million in 2021, an increase of more than 35 percent from 2020. Vance joins the other 99 counties in the state that have reported a rebound of tourism dollars flowing into the state’s economy in 2021.

According to information from the N.C. Department of Commerce, Vance County ranks 55 in visitor spending for 2021; it rose 10 spots in the rankings over the 2020 figures.

Here’s a breakdown of the numbers:

Visitors spent $59.89 million in 2021, up by $15.83 million from 2020, which represents a 35.9 percent growth rate. The daily tourism contribution for 2021 is $164,182; the 2020 figure is $120,712, which is an increase of $43,470 in categories including lodging, food and beverages, recreation, retail and transportation. Breakdown in millions by category for Vance County:

  • LODGING: 2020 – $9.18M; 2021 – $12.69M
  • FOOD & BEVERAGE: 2020 – $16.71M; 2021 – $21.17M
  • RECREATION: 2020 – $5.12M; 2021 – $7.94M
  • RETAIL: 2020 – $4.10M; 2021 –  $5.34M
  • TRANSPORTATION: 2020 – $8.94M; 2021– $12.76M

Vance County travel/tourism related jobs were 354 in 2020, and 378 in 2021; an increase of 24. Vance County tourism industry payroll generated in 2020 was $11.8 million compared to $13.6 million in 2021; up $1.8 million.

Tourism spending added $1.8 million to the Vance County tax base in 2020 and reached $2.1 million in 2021. Visitors to the county also created State/Local Tax Savings for the residents. In 2020, visitor spending in Vance County saved local residents $85.65 in State/Local taxes. In 2021, visitor spending in Vance County saved local residents $113.01 in State/Local taxes; an increase of $27.36 in savings.

Visit NC Director Wit Tuttell said the state’s numbers paint a rosier economic picture in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. “These findings are something that everyone in North Carolina can celebrate,” Tuttell said in a press statement. “They’re a testament to the resilience of our businesses and our residents, and to the enduring appeal of destinations that include everything a traveler might want. The economic well-being of the state and all its communities rises with the pleasures travelers find in the natural beauty of our public spaces, our culinary traditions and innovation, our remarkable towns and our spirited cities. North Carolina can claim it all.”

The preliminary outcomes of the annual visitor spending study commissioned by Visit North Carolina reflect the economic impact of tourism on local economies across the state. The study provides preliminary estimates of domestic and international traveler expenditures as well as employment, payroll income, and state and local tax revenues directly generated by these expenditures.

Henderson, Vance County, and Kerr Lake are a traveler’s paradise. Visitors quickly realized they were welcomed outdoors to appreciate nature’s beauty, the calm of the water, and all the fun that can be had while relaxing under a golden sun or watching the stars and moon dancing across the darkened sky. Unmistakably,  Kerr Lake is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy a meal outside while listening to the background harmony of  nature and waves splashing against the natural sandy shoreline. Kerr Lake is the perfect place to . . .  Relax~Relate~Retire!

When visitors are ready for a change of scenery, the area surrounding Kerr Lake offers a variety of activities. Historic Downtown Henderson offers quaint restaurants, a coffee shop, and unique new businesses. McGregor Performing Arts Center presents everything from summer theatre productions to concert tours, National Dance competitions and Broadway shows. Raleigh Road Outdoor Drive-in is the state’s oldest operating drive-in theater. Love a challenging golf course? Grab your golf clubs and head for the beautiful Bermuda greens of Kerr Lake Country Club, open to the public. Southern Classic Cars Museum, open by appointment year-round,  showcases antique and classic cars to fit every person’s dreams! Now you can see why #VanceCountyTravelersDiscoverAlot!

For a complete listing of statewide highlights as well as visitation data from all 100 North Carolina counties visit https://partners.visitnc.com/economic-impact-studies. For more information about Henderson, Vance County, and Kerr Lake contact Vance County Tourism at 252.438.2222 or vctourism@vancecounty.org.  Online at www.kerrlake-nc.com

TownTalk: Plans For New Convention Center On Parham Rd.

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There’s a lot of planning that goes into any construction project, a statement to which Vance County Director of Tourism Pam Hester will attest. But in the case of a possible convention center complex that is in the works for the area, it’s a matter of turning a vision into reality.

Hester was John C. Rose’s guest on Wednesday’s Town Talk and she shared some initial ideas about how acreage just off Parham Road could be transformed into a spot that locals – and visitors – can enjoy. The property is owned by the Vance County Department of Tourism.

“Hopefully, this will be the catalyst for change,” Hester said, in an interview recorded earlier and aired Wednesday. A healthy economic environment is one that has a mixture of businesses, large and small. This convention center and the focus on increased tourism, she said, can be an economic driver.

Initial plans show a 27,000 square foot convention center, which Hester said would be included in the first phase of the three-phase project. “It’s in the conceptual stage right now, (and) we’ve got to go back for some tweaks.” The size could increase to about 30,000 square feet, with a main room that can accommodate 500 for dinner, but as many as 1,000 for trainings and other types of meetings. The main room can be divided into three separate meeting spots, each with its own separate entrance, so Hester said each smaller room could house a different event at the same time.

The Tourism office will be located there, too, which will allow staff to oversee facility usage and rentals – anything from boat and car shows to corporate training events, weddings and sports camps.

“It’s more than just a convention center,” she explained. “It’s more like a community/convention/welcome center.”

The second phase would include addition of a hotel, which is important for tourism in a couple of different ways: Visitors need a place to stay when they attend events in the area, and tourism programs are funded by the 6 percent occupancy tax that hotels and motels generate.

“That would open up a world of opportunities for us,” Hester said of the additional space for visitors to stay. Add a restaurant and the complex becomes more attractive for groups looking to hold events there.

Although Vance County has 319 fewer available hotel rooms, Hester said the county enjoys the highest occupancy tax rate ever. “That six percent that hotels collect is up significantly – it’s much higher than it’s ever been,” she said.

The project’s third phase would be addition of a greenway or walkway to connect with other parts of the city. And there will be a handicap-accessible children’s playground, she added, as well as a place to walk dogs and even a charging station for electric cars.

Like all projects, area officials have been discussing possible timelines for construction and completion.

“I would like to see it start tomorrow,” Hester said, “but that’s not realistic.” More than likely, getting the project underway in 2025 is more realistic.

In the meantime, planning continues and ideas keep percolating among tourism staff, its governing board and the county commissioners. Hester said she is hopeful to get some grant funding as well as developing a plan for corporate sponsorships.

 

CLICK PLAY!

 

TownTalk: Pam Hester Talks Local Tourism Attractions, Events

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The executive director of Vance County Department of Tourism said she has a fear of being on the water, but she has absolutely no problem whatsoever promoting Kerr Lake and the variety of events it brings to town – and its contribution to the local economy.

Satterwhite Point is the site of Saturday evening’s fireworks display, sponsored by the local tourism authority.

Pam Hester told John C. Rose on Wednesday’s TownTalk that there will be numerous food vendors on hand for visitors to enjoy. DJ Jay will provide music for the event, she added. There’s a $7 gate fee per vehicle to enter the park and, as with all state parks, alcohol is not permitted.

The fireworks show will begin somewhere around 9:15.

A new food truck is in the lineup for the event in addition to several familiar vendors – King Southern Style Cookin’ – and Hester welcomes the owner to this year’s event.

“He has just moved into the area,” she said. “We’re lucky to have new people moving into Henderson, moving into Vance County,” she said.

“I think Vance County and Henderson have a lot to offer,” Hester added. “We are a great hidden gem.”

Apparently, not so hidden any more – Hester said the county is set to finish out the fiscal year with a record number of hotel stays. This is a sure sign that the many activities and events that happen in Henderson and in the county are attracting visitors like never before.

Although under the umbrella of county government, Hester said the tourism office is funded by the 6 percent occupancy tax that each hotel room generates per guest stay. The tax funds the staffing and events like the upcoming fireworks show at the lake.

“We’re going to have the highest amount of hotel stays (than) in the past 12 years,” Hester noted.

Some of those rooms will no doubt be reserved by folks who come to fishing tournaments at Kerr Lake – there are 24 tournaments that are taking place at the lake this year, up from last year’s 16.

She estimates that each fisherman brings $154 a day to the county. If each boat has a two-person team, that’s more than $300 a day. Multiply that number by the 200 or so boats on the water and the economic impact becomes evident.

But it’s not just Kerr Lake that is bringing in visitor revenue.

“We have things here that most little rural towns don’t have,” Hester said. Notably, McGregor Hall, a venue for concerts, live theater and dance competitions and recitals.

The young dancers who come to compete at McGregor Hall also bring their moms and dads, she said, which means stops for food, gas and other purchases as well.

“McGregor is bringing a huge economic impact” to the area, Hester said, adding that when the dance competitions are in town, the restaurants are packed.

Planning for additional events and attractions is something that she is always interested in, but Hester said she has a wish list for the future – she would wish for a convention center and more hotel space to accommodate the influx of visitors to the area.

A convention center could host a boat show or other large-scale events, she said.

“We have the perfect lake, but we don’t have facilities to accommodate it.”

Collaboration and partnerships create a strong network to keep activities vibrant in the county, and Hester attributes to local civic leader Debra Brown the following quote: “’Individually, we are one drop, but together we are Kerr Lake’. Together, we can make something,” Hester said.

Visit https://www.kerrlake-nc.com/kerrlake.php to learn more about the Vance County Department of Tourism.

 

 

Fireworks To Light The Night Sky At Satterwhite Point July 2

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The upcoming Fourth of July weekend at Kerr Lake promises to be filled with plenty of red, white and blue and all that makes summertime fun – including fireworks!

The Independence Day Celebration is set for Saturday, July 2 and Vance County Tourism is sponsoring the fireworks display. Tourism Director Pam Hester said Satterwhite Point Park is going to be THE place to be – there will be food, live music and other vendors from 4 p.m. until dark.

“Dark,” in this case, means after the sun goes down. On July 2, the sun will set at 8:35 p.m., and Hester said the fireworks will begin around 9:15 p.m.

As a reminder, alcohol is not permitted in state parks. There is a $7 state park gate fee, which is per car.

Contact Hester at 252.438.2222 vctourism@vancecounty.org for more information.

TownTalk: Vance County Fireworks and Classic Cars

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Fall is just more than a month away, and its arrival ushers in several events sure to interest locals and tourists alike.

Pam Hester and Norman Dickerson shared details about the upcoming Labor Day fireworks and the 19th annual downtown classic car show and the two tourism development authority representatives said plans are shaping up for a couple of great shows for the whole family.

The Labor Day fireworks show is set for Saturday, Sept. 4 at Satterwhite Point on Kerr Lake.

There will be a DJ providing music during the afternoon and several food vendors will be on hand, including Jerry’s Hotdogs, Peyton’s Place and Frostbites, Hester told John C. Rose on Wednesday’s Town Talk. Vendors should be ready for customers by the middle of the afternoon, and “as soon as they’re set up, they’ll be ready for business,” Hester said.

Dickerson said the fireworks display probably will begin around 8:15 p.m. or 8:30 p.m.

The July 4 fireworks show was pushed to Labor Day this year because of the uncertainty of when COVID-19 restrictions may be lifted and Dickerson said it’s been almost 20 years since there’s been a fireworks show for Labor Day. State park weekend gate fees are $7 per vehicle.

Hopefully, the recent heavy rains brought by tropical storms won’t create too much of a problem with the lake level. Dickerson said the lake is at 301 feet, just a little above normal.

If water levels are a problem, “we have a backup shoot site, so we’ll be ok,” he said.

Hester said she is trying to look at the rescheduled date in a positive light: “We gave the people of Vance County three different events to go to, because we weren’t doing it on the same night,” she said. “We’re going to make the best of it and have a great celebration” on Sept. 4, she added.

Then in mid-October, a different type of celebration returns to downtown Henderson with the 19th annual Show, Shag, Shine and Dine event. Hundreds of classic cars line the streets for folks to admire on Saturday, Oct. 16.

Hester said there has been a lot of interest in the event, which will kick off on Friday, Oct. 15 with a cruise-in at Kerr Lake from noon to 4 p.m., and then it’s on to Southern Classic Cars on Horner Street in Henderson from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

“We’re having lots and lots of phone calls,” Hester said. “People are ready to come out and go to a car show.”

Registration for the car show, which is for any make and model 1988 and older, is $20. For owners who want their vehicles included in the judging, the fee is $25. Registration is Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. “We had a huge turnout in 2019,” Hester said. “I think the judges were worn out by the end of the day.”

Listen Here for Full Audio about the Vance County Tourism fireworks and Show Shine Shag and Dine.

Vance County Tourism

July 4th Fireworks at Kerr Lake Will Move to Sept 4, 2021

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The fireworks display and gathering that typically takes place on Kerr Lake July 4th weekend has been moved to Labor Day weekend, specifically Saturday, Sept 4th at Satterwhite Point.

Vance County Tourism Director Pam Hester said, “It was not practical to have it. … The Board voted to move it.”

The reason is a deadline that needed to be met, which included deposits for the fireworks, came before CDC guidance changed concerning covid and before Governor Roy Cooper relaxed state mandates.

In addition, the North Carolina Parks Service is short staffed, which was going to make it very difficult to have the necessary manpower in place to host a large event at Satterwhite Point.

As of the time of this publication, Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks is planning fireworks on July 3rd, and Cokesbury is planning fireworks for July 10th.  More details as we get closer.

Vance County Tourism

Vance County Tourism Announces the Cancellation of Fireworks, Annual Car Show

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

-Press Release, Vance County Tourism Development Authority

The much anticipated annual Show, Shine, Shag & Dine, and East Coast Dragtimes Hall of Fame & Reunion scheduled for October 16 and 17, 2020, in Henderson will not take place this year due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The Vance County Tourism Development Authority had remained extremely positive that the show would go on until the recent extension of Governor Roy Cooper’s Safer at Home Phase 2 mandate regarding large gatherings that is in effect until September 11, 2020.

After continued monitoring of NC COVID cases, apprehensions concerning COVID-19, observing other large scale crowd closures, day-use areas and public facilities at State Parks remaining closed, and the unknown state and/or local mandates that may still be in place at that time, the Vance County Tourism Development Authority Board of Directors made the extremely difficult decision to cancel the 19th Annual Show, Shine, Shag & Dine, and East Coast Dragtimes Hall of Fame & Reunion scheduled for October 16 and 17, 2020.

At this time, there will be no rescheduling of the event for 2020, but we are looking forward to seeing everyone on October 15 and 16, 2021 for what we hope will be the biggest Show, Shine, Shag & Dine, and East Coast Dragtimes Hall of Fame & Reunion ever.

The extended Safer at Home Phase 2 mandate has also made it necessary for Vance County Tourism to cancel the fireworks that had been moved from July 4, 2020, to Sunday, September 6 (Labor Day weekend).

Hopefully, COVID numbers will continue to go down and we can get events and activities scheduled again. We look forward to seeing everyone next year!

Pam Hester, Executive Director

Vance County Tourism Development Authority

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Kerr Lake Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration Moved to Labor Day Weekend

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

-Information courtesy Vance County Tourism Development Authority

Due to ongoing COVID-19 concerns, the Independence Day fireworks event was postponed from July 4 and has tentatively been rescheduled for Sunday, September 6, 2020. The ability to hold the event will depend entirely on local and state mandates and guidelines in place at that time.

The Labor Day Weekend Celebration will include fireworks over the water at Satterwhite Point at Kerr Lake in Henderson, NC. Events will be held from 3 until 10 p.m.

This family-friendly event will feature a DJ providing a wide variety of music, Boho the Clown, bounce houses and other activities for kids.

The NC State Parks 2020 interpretive theme is “The Year of the Fire.” Kids can learn about fire safety from Smokey the Bear.

Food vendors will be on-site, and t-shirts and glow sticks will be sold. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket and a flashlight.

Enjoy music, food and fireworks under the stars! Come by boat or by car.

$7 per car gate fee charged by NC State Parks. Use of bounce house included in gate fee.

NO ALCOHOL ALLOWED!

Vance County Tourism

Town Talk 02/27/20: Planning Underway for Kerr Lake Fireworks, Henderson Car Show

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

Vance County Tourism Development Authority’s Pam Hester and Norman Dickerson appeared on WIZS Town Talk Thursday at 11 a.m.

While seemingly a bit early in the year to discuss the Fourth of July Fireworks at Kerr Lake and the fall car show, Hester explained that the planning of these events is a “year-long process.”

The 19th Annual Show, Shine, Shag & Dine Classic Car Show will be held in downtown Henderson on Friday, October 16 and Saturday, October 17.

“We are up to our eyeballs with car show and fireworks,” said Hester. “We are hoping to make the car show even bigger and better than it was last year if that is at all possible.”

New for 2020, Southern Classic Cars will hold an additional cruise-in event on Sunday, October 18, giving car show enthusiasts another day of entertainment and providing local businesses such as hotels and restaurants another day of visitor revenue.

Located at 117 Horner Street in Henderson, Founder and CEO Charles Bowman and staff plan to hold a cruise-in the third Sunday of every month beginning in March, according to Hester.

“This will get people used to coming to car shows in Henderson and give our annual car show visitors a reason to stay one more night,” Hester said.

For the fireworks show scheduled for Saturday, July 4, with activities planned from 3 until 10 p.m., Hester and Dickerson said it takes multiple agencies and volunteers working together to make everyone’s Independence Day fun, and more importantly, safe.

“Between 14-16 agencies are involved in the fireworks show – governmental, state, other regulatory and volunteers” explained Dickerson. “It takes a good coordination of all these organizations to make the 20 minutes of kaboom happen.”

Events such as the car show and fireworks display aren’t possible without collaboration between organizations and between counties, Hester said. “Everybody in the five-county area has a unique, individual thing to offer and each of the five counties can benefit from the uniqueness of the other four counties if we all work together.”

Giving an example, Hester said Henderson does not have enough hotel rooms to accommodate all of the visitors to the annual car show. As a result, guests spill over into neighboring counties that enjoy the economic boost from hotel room rentals, restaurant meals consumed, gas purchased, etc.

“Norman and I can’t do what we do on our own,” Hester said. “We have to have collaboration, and I feel like we have formed some very valuable partnerships with other agencies and people in this county. That’s what makes us successful.”

For more information on Vance County Tourism events, please visit www.kerrlake-nc.com.

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

Annual Show, Shine Event Draws Estimated 25,000 Visitors to Henderson

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The 18th Annual Show, Shine, Shag & Dine event held in downtown Henderson this past Friday and Saturday featured over 450 cars, 20 Corbitt vehicles, two cruise-ins, four bands, two DJs, 44 vendors and an estimated 25,000 visitors, according to Vance County Tourism Director Pam Hester.

Henderson Mayor Eddie Ellington said, “This was another positive, progressive day for Henderson and a testament of teamwork at its best. For the streets of downtown to be full of thousands of people shows what we truly have to offer and we are looking forward to many more days like this in the future.”

Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce President Michele Burgess said, “It was just a great day to be in Vance County on Friday and Saturday. Our Chamber was busy leading up to the event answering phone calls from folks wanting to know names of hotels, hours of operation, if dogs were allowed and other similar type questions. For the first time, our Chamber and presenting sponsor Boyd Chevrolet helped to sponsor a band on the main stage at Breckenridge Street from 3 – 6 p.m. It was well-received, but the late afternoon cool temperatures and drizzle probably sent a few home early.

I personally met and talked with visitors from Mebane, NC, Richmond and Charlottesville, VA, and Darlington, SC who drove in to visit our town. Vance County Tourism had the event well organized and there were plenty of local volunteers who stepped up to help. It was just a fun day to enjoy meeting up with local neighbors and meeting new visitors.”

The Corbitt Preservation Association’s Tom Burleson told our Susan Rose of WIZS that 39 visitors came to the old Bennett Perry house at Church and Chestnut Street to visit the Corbitt Museum, a record for a single day.

In addition to a Corbitt car, which is the only one of its kind known of at this point, the association also had a rare Corbitt fire truck on display in front of NC’s oldest operating fire station in downtown Henderson.

You can join the Corbitt Preservation Association and see lots more by typing Corbitt into the search box on Facebook.

In a Facebook conversation between WIZS and listener Rosemarie Renn, Renn said, “It was a great day and a great event. Pam Hester, Norman Dickerson and everyone involved did a fantastic job. In fact, it was the best in 18 years because there were a variety of food vendors and other vendors, something for everyone instead of just car stuff like it was in the past.”

The 18th Annual Show, Shine, Shag & Dine event held in downtown Henderson featured over 450 cars, 20 Corbitt vehicles, two cruise-ins, four bands, two DJs, 44 vendors and an estimated 25,000 visitors. (WIZS photo)

The Corbitt Preservation Association displayed a rare Corbitt fire truck in front of NC’s oldest operating fire station in downtown Henderson. (WIZS photo)

The Corbitt Preservation Association displayed the body of a Corbitt automobile, recently found in Greensboro, NC, which is the only known one of its kind. (WIZS photo)