Thinking Van Wert in North Carolina

With a week off from a concert in Fountain Park, I get a break and can take a little vacation to North Carolina.  I am driving two “Miss Daisies” — my mother and my mother-in-law — along with my wife, to visit the Billy Graham Library and the Biltmore Estate.

We just returned from the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte. What an inspiration! It truly puts the life and accomplishments of this great man into perspective, but in a very humble way. I would highly recommend this as a stop if you are going through the Carolinas. Tomorrow is the Biltmore Estate and I plan to be completely amazed!

As I travel from state to state, I still think of Van Wert and how special it is. I don’t just say that because I live and work there, but more so because of what others are continually saying about our community. I have already shared with you what one of our performers from New York said. Now, I will share with you what our friend Gary Jenkins from Nashville just wrote:

”Sorry we rushed out of there. Guys were ready to get home. I got to thank the wonderful crew but I didn’t feel like I got to shake your hand and say thanks!  We had a ball as we did before!

Thank you for your hospitality, use of the church, help with the CDs, dinner, and the amazing ice cream. More than anything, thanks for inviting us! You truly live in a beautiful town full of wonderful people. It’s like a postcard for heartland USA! I wish I had more time to wander around Van Wert!”

I guess when you live in an area so long; it is easy to take things for granted. Things like free concerts in the park, a beautiful performing arts center, a nice, safe downtown, an art center, a civic theater, a historical museum, and beautiful churches. Shall I go on?

Oh sure, we have our problems like most communities, but when visitors come to our area, they compare at face value with what they see in other visits throughout the country. You can see what they say.

We would love to see our community grow and offer even more opportunities for more people.  I guess if we all start seeing our community as others see us; it would be a good start.

Next week, we finish the 10th season of concerts in the Fountain Park Summer Music Series when we welcome Gary Puckett & the Union Gap. Puckett is known for several huge hit songs I am sure you will remember. Come and enjoy our big finale celebration. Bring the kids and grandkids because after the concert, we will be previewing the upcoming NPAC season, followed by the showing of The Wizard of Oz on a huge outdoor screen and exciting sound system.

One last thought … as I was going through the Billy Graham Library, I saw pictures and mention of two artists who will be playing in Van Wert this season at the NPAC: Steven Curtis Chapman and Ricky Skaggs. Ricky will be bringing his family for a Christmas concert and Steven Curtis Chapman is coming earlier in the fall. Both have appeared and performed at Billy Graham events. Check with the box office to see about getting tickets for these concerts, if you haven’t already.

Lord willing, I will see you next week in Fountain Park for our big finale!  Tell all your friends and invite everyone you know.  It will be a fun end to our summer!

FINÉ.