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By Scott Nicholson

nicholson@wataugademocrat.com

The Mariam and Robert Hayes Performing Arts Center moved closer to solid financial ground through a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development.

U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Dole was on hand Friday morning to announce the grant and tour the new facility, which held a grand opening “Eleganza” Saturday night as a commemorative fund raising event. The $400,000 grant was key to keeping funds moving for the performing arts center, which will be the culmination of years of effort.

Chip Williamson, one of the board members for the center, said the Rural Development money was a “significant gift that really helped us get where we needed to go.”

It was also instrumental in helping the arts center secure a $6.6 million loan from Wachovia Bank, whose foundation also contributed $200,000.

Dole said she was impressed by the arts center and called it a “real jewel” for the region. She said the center was ideally situated to draw Blue Ridge Parkway visitors and serve as a regional tourism draw.

She also said she was privileged to work with Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-5) who was also on hand for the tour.

Dole said tourism had climbed 7 percent in the state last year and provided an important source of revenue.

“It’s just a great, great addition to the mountains and the entire state,” she said.

Dole and Foxx also met with Mariam Cannon Hayes, who provided key support for the center and will have the center named after her and her late husband, Robert.

Foxx, who described herself as a “theater buff,” said the theater was the perfect size and praised the quality of the craftsmanship.

Williamson and the center’s executive director, Jeff Clark, told Dole and Foxx about the regional plans for the center, including the theater outreach program (TOPS) which will bring kids to live stage shows at reduced costs, and also allow them free admission during events in which they bring their parents.

The center will also partner with Appalachian State University for an internship program to provide training to those interested in the field of drama, and the center will also house a series of workshops.

“It will serve not only the local community. but the regional community as well,” Williamson said. “It just happens to be here in Blowing Rock.”

The fundraising efforts have been successful, with a celebrity charity auction and private donations helping finish up work that began about seven years ago. The center, just off U.S. 321, had a goal of raising $500,000 in one night for its endowment fund, with a host of celebrities on hand to provide their support for the center.

The center includes 26,500 square feet of floor space, with the 349-seat auditorium, stage, orchestra pit, Children’s Theatre, kitchen and conference rooms. The theater will also double as a movie theater with special screenings scheduled throughout the year.

John Cooper, the state’s director of USDA Rural Development, presented a ceremonial check for the $6.2 million balance that Rural Development is guaranteeing on the loan.

Cooper said such regional efforts were supported by the Bush Administration. Rural Development provides funding, resources and technical assistance to boost economic growth.

The official dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony for the center will be held Aug. 18, with an open house scheduled for Sept. 23 and 24.