Parkway anniversary group reaches out

Members of an organization set up to honor the Blue Ridge Parkway’s 75th anniversary, along with national park officials met Monday with area tourism officials to discuss ways localities can participate.

Dan Brown, president of Blue Ridge Parkway 75 Inc., said the group’s plan was to involve communities along the parkway in commemorating the 75th anniversary of the parkway, which takes place in September 2010. He believes the commemoration will highlight the importance of the parkway’s value and spur increased tourism.

“It was really kind of interesting that it was in the throes of the depression, and the parkway was one of those great ... projects that helped bring this region out of the depression, and we think that it’s a very opportune time for us to be commemorating the 75th anniversary given the current economic depression or slowdown, or recession, that we are in the midst of right now,” Brown said.

The group believes, he said, that the events surrounding the anniversary will make the public more aware of the parkway’s value while bringing more people to it.

Brown said he wanted all the localities and groups involved in the anniversary.

Sixth District Congressman Bob Goodlatte, speaking at the meeting, said he would use his office to provide whatever support he could to the parkway’s anniversary plans. He called it a celebration of the environment and a “great opportunity” for the communities along the parkway to put new attention on it.

“It is a great celebration and appreciation of the mountain valley communities in this part of the world,” Goodlatte said. “And I think this is a great opportunity. I’m glad that the [National] Park Service is looking so far in advance.”

Leesa Brandon, executive director for Blue Ridge Parkway 75 Inc., said it would provide opportunities for communities to co-brand events while providing marketing enhancement. It also is seeking community support and projects economic benefits for those involved. Its Web site will also spotlight communities while promoting upcoming events.

Waynesboro Director of Tourism Lianne Crookshanks and Maureen Kelley, director of economic development and tourism for Nelson County, were among those in attendance.

“We really need you to be our ambassadors,” Brown said. “If you feel as a result of this meeting today that this is an opportunity for your community to become engaged and to help share the benefits of protecting the parkway and encouraging people to visit the parkway, then you can go out and get your communities engaged and make this happen.”