Chamber News

Bishop Gives Mid-Year Report on Tourism in Patrick County

Tourism is very important to the Patrick County, VA industry. Tourism is a tremendous boost to our local economy in times of high unemployment and business cycle recession.

Tourism Report – July 3, 2009 From Tom Bishop, Executive Director, Patrick County Chamber of Commerce This is the season when Tourism activities peak in Patrick County. At the Chamber we do a lot preparatory work, with Tourism mailing packets, promoting our festivals, keeping our entertainment in the fore front, media news releases, maintaining our web site, meeting and greeting visitors at our Visitor Centers, representing Patrick County at many festivals. With all our music festivals kicking in, we have many tourists visiting here and enjoying our traditional music programs. Key celebrations getting ready to start are: DeHart Car Show, Crafts, Music and Fireworks, July 4th Fire On The Mountain at Vesta, July 4, lots of entertainment Craft Fair at Meadows of Dan, July 4 & 5 Beer and Wine Tasting, Fandango, on the Parkway, July 4 & 5 Bluegrass Festival starting next week July 8-11 at Wayside Park Wine and Blues Festival at Chateau Morrisette, July 11 Summer Gospel Sing at Dominion Valley, July 17-19 Kibler Valley Competitive River Run July 25-On The Dan River Floyd Fest Revival July 25-28, on the Parkway Patrick County Music Assoc. July 25 at Rotary Field Historical craft demonstrations at Mabry Mill in July In August the Meadows of Dan Folk Fair and Virginia State Peach Festival These are some of our largest attended events. Beyond all the festivals, Patrick County has many other things to offer travelers that include: Scenic mountain vistas Heritage music programs Artisans and crafter fairs, with local foods Outdoor activities, of swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, and camping We have substantial parks available such as: FairyStone Park-State Park Philpott Lake-US Army Corp of Engineers Blue Ridge Parkway-National Park Wayside, Dominion Valley, and Floydfest parks-Private Rotary Field, in Stuart- A Community Park Our lodging has the variety that includes, resort class, log cabins, farm houses, motels, and bed and breakfast locations. We are truly a place to “get away� and enjoy nature and our traditional culture. How do all these tourism activities impact our local economy? Tourism is a tremendous boost to our local economy in times of high unemployment and business cycle recession. Tourism brings in $21,000,000 per year to Patrick County. Tourism industry helps us off set losses and downturns in factories, agriculture, and wood products industry. Tourism can boost us in very obvious ways, such as overnight lodging, restaurant sales, retail sales at gift shops, gasoline, but contribute in many other ways that are not so easy to account for. Many of our churches, civic clubs and other non-profit organizations benefit from the increased tourism activities. In conclusion, we should experience a great Tourism season during the summer and the fall.