Brownsville-Haywood County to host Hatchie BirdFest

The first Hatchie BirdFest will be held at the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center on Friday May 31, Saturday June 1, and Sunday June 2, 2013.  The free event will offer a variety of activities for all ages to see and learn about the 200+ species of birds that occur in Brownsville and Haywood County, Tenn.

Bird watching hikes on Saturday  and Sunday will be geared for both beginner and expert birdwatchers and will visit Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge and other areas in Haywood County.

Noted ornithologist Bob Ford will open the Hatchie BirdFest Friday, May 31, with a presentation on Haywood County birds and conduct a questions and answers session with attendees. Ford's talk will be held at College Hill Center in Brownsville beginning at 7 p.m.

The BirdFest will begin Friday evening with a presentation by noted ornithologist and U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service wildlife biologist, Bob Ford.  Saturday’s speakers will include Scott Somershoe  (State Ornithologist, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency), Carol Reese (Ornamental Horticulture Specialist, University of Tennessee Extension Service) and David Haggard (West Tennessee Regional Interpretive Specialist, Tennessee State Parks). Friday evening event will be held at College Hill Center in Brownsville.  All Saturday presentations will be at the Delta Heritage Center.

Horticulturist Carol Reese will share how to use native plants to attract birds, bees and butterflies during her presentation on Saturday, June 1, at the Hatchie BirdFest. 

Photographs by Haywood County native and acclaimed nature photographer Joe B. Guinn will be on display at the Center throughout the weekend.  Winning entries from 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd graders in the HatcheBirdFest Coloring Contest will also be displayed.

Exhibitors will include Tennessee Ornithological Society, Willow Oaks Farm, Memphis WildBird Unlimited, Tennessee Wildlife Federation’s Great Outdoors University, Tennessee Watchable Wildlife and Raisin’ Cain BBQ.

For more information visit www.HatchieBirdFest.com.

Deep-fried barbecue makes debut at Exit 56 Blues Fest

Do you love barbecue? Have you tried it deep-fried? Attendees to this year's Exit 56 Blues Fest will get an opportunity to try the bite-sized, deep-fried barbecue nuggets and even compete to see who can eat the most. The Deep-Fried BBQ Eating Championship will take place at 4 p.m., Saturday, May 25, at the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center in Brownsville.

Contestants must be at least 18 years of age and will have 10 minutes to eat as many deep-fried barbecue bites as possible. Water and sauce will be plentiful to help wash it down. There is a $5 entry fee and the lucky winner will receive a trophy, t-shirt and prize package. Interested parties are asked to pre-register for the competition by May 23. Complete rules and registration can be found at www.westtnheritage.com/exit56.

Along with great barbecue, festival attendees can spend the afternoon and evening listening to the Blues. Concerts will be performed from the porch of the Sleepy John Estes home and features performers such as Sean "Bad" Apple, Bluesberry Jam Band, Little Boys Blue and headliner TeeDee Young.

Car enthusiasts can cruise-in from 1-3 p.m., to compete for titles such as "Cool Chrome" "Most Likely to Get a Ticket" and 12 other fun titles. There is no entry fee and motorcycles are welcome, too.

Arts and crafts vendors will also be on site throughout the afternoon for those wanting to add a little shopping to the Blues mix. Jewelry, woodwork and paintings are just a few of the items you'll find.

Admission to the festival is free and open to the public. A complete schedule is available online, or by calling the Delta Heritage Center at 731-779-9000.

Clark elected to TACVB Board of Directors

Sonia Outlaw-Clark

Sonia Outlaw-Clark, Director of the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center in Brownsville, has been elected to the Tennessee Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus Board of Directors. Board members were elected by the membership during their annual meeting at the Governor’s Conference on Tourism in September 2012 and officially took office January 1, 2013. Clark will serve a three-year term as the West Tennessee representative. Barry Young, Sumner County CVB Director and Brownsville native, was also elected to a two-year term representing Middle Tennessee.

TACVB’s board members represent a broad and diverse group of tourism professionals from all areas of the state. Newly elected officers of the Association are Chairman Shelda S. Rees, Chattanooga CVB; Vice-Chair, Kim Bumpas, Visit Knoxville; Secretary Lori Nunnery, Jackson CVB; Treasurer Theresa Harrington, Clarksville-Montgomery County CVB; Immediate Past Chair Rhonda Adams, Dickson County Chamber. Other Board members include Laura Canada, Cookeville-Putnam County (East TN rep); Mark Shore, Williamson County CVB (Middle TN rep); Katy Brown, Oak Ridge CVB; Brenda McCroskey, Sevierville CVB; Calvin Taylor, Memphis CVB; Jennifer Wheatley, Paris-Henry County Chamber; and Melissa Woody, Cleveland-Bradley County Chamber. Affiliate members elected to one-year terms are: Tubby Kubik, Chocklett Press; Craig Richards, Collinson Media; and Mary Steadman, Miles.

“TACVB is fortunate to have outstanding community leaders willing to volunteer their time and talent to enhance Tennessee’s reputation for hospitality,” said Sheila Leggett, TACVB Executive Director.  “The importance of tourism in Tennessee cannot be overstated.  It is one of Tennessee’s largest industries, and provides billions of dollars of direct economic impact and sales tax revenues annually.”

The Tennessee Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus is a non-profit organization representing the state's official destination management and marketing organizations.  It is dedicated to the advancement of issues and activities deemed to be in the best interest of the Tennessee tourism industry and, specifically, the membership of the organization.

Where the Real America Lives

This was written by  Norm Rourke, freelance author from Beggs. Ok., who stopped over in Brownsville a couple of weeks ago. We're thankful to him for his kind words and sharing his writings with us.

A scene from the August Concert on the Porch. "His Voice" is performing.

Where the Real America Lives 

Returning from a trip to East Tennessee, we stopped overnight in Brownsville; a small town of 10,000 or so, but with the heart and friendliness found only in Small Town America.

After getting settled, we wandered about outside. Across from our motel, we noticed folks gathering with their lawn chairs in the parking lot behind the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center. As a former reporter and still freelance writer (and being nosy), I wandered down the street to see if I could find out what was going on.

Following introductions we heard music…real, down home music. Old time, never-to-be-forgotten Baptist gospel music was being belted out like we’d not heard in many years. We stayed back out of the way behind the seated group tapping our toes and my wife even sang along (My singing would quickly chase everyone away!).

“I remember those songs mom used to sing,” she said.

Folks invited us to sit, but we had been sitting and driving so long it felt good just to stand. A young man at a table offered us bottles of water. Another lady came up and asked where we were from (Oklahoma). Smiles, greetings and friendliness poured forth. We felt like we belonged.

We were invited to tour the heritage center and had planned to do so, but we thought it was closed. There we met a lady whose name unfortunately I’ve forgotten (sorry) who gave us a brief tour and explanation of the various venues. I gave her my business card and later Sonia Outlaw-Clark, director of the center came out and introduced herself. She provided more information about the center, Brownsville and suggestions for sights. We told her we were leaving the next day to continue our return home, but we might squeeze in a quick trip downtown to the square (I like small town squares with their classic court houses).

While touring the Heritage Center, we learned of Sleepy John Estes and other early day bluesmen. We learned that Tina Turner was born not far away—one of my most favorite entertainers! We saw the school she attended that was to be refurbished and placed on display.

The next day before leaving we did make a quick trip to the town square and in the process were able to help a man changing a tire for an elderly lady. Actually, he had pretty well finished before I finally figured out which way to go around the square and could only offer a little last minute help. More friendliness thanks and “have a safe trip home.” We also saw the Mind Field sculpture…what a sight (I mean that positively). It’s hard to get pictures of it all.

As I listened, learned and talked with some of the folks in Brownsville, it was clear this was America at its best. And these are the folks who are the backbone of this great country. No matter which political party they support, no matter the color of their skin, no matter what church they attend, they are all what makes America great.

I thought how sad it was that politicians could not experience this brief visit as we had. If they did, they would see what makes America great. These were not fast talking manipulative hucksters. They were not special interest groups seeking power and influence and wealth.

No, these Brownsville folks were ordinary people enjoying an evening of music and friendship and sharing it with a couple of strangers who were just passing through.

Thank you Brownsville for reminding us there are still good and decent folks in our country. And thank you for sharing your kindness, smiles, handshakes and pride of your town. I don’t know when or if we’ll be back, but the memory of our pleasant short visit washed away some of the weariness of the road.

God bless you all!

Norm & Connie Rourke

Beggs, Oklahoma

Sonnets to Orpheus opens April 13

"Sonnets to Orpheus" is the name of the latest exhibit to be presented April 13 - June 2, at the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center in Brownsville, Tenn. The collection of mixed media art is the work of Jackson, Tenn., native Lendon Noe and explores a series of poems written by German poet Rainer Maria Rilke depicting the Greek mythical musician, Orpheus.

"Rilke’s sonnets are filled with beautiful metaphors that to me are breathtakingly visual," says Noe. "While I don’t seek to illustrate his work, I have been immeasurably inspired by it."

Noe is the former Professor of Art at Lambuth University where she taught for 28 years. She has recently opened a studio and gallery at DCA/DCPR in Jackson and is a partner and instructor with Silver Creek Workshops.

"My work hovers between realism and pure abstraction and I am attracted to many different media and techniques."

Noe began as an oil painter but explains that she now does a lot of drawing, incorporating acrylics and inks, collage and image transfers. Inspired by nature, many of the works in the Orpheus collection depicts trees and nature.

" I look for poetic references and metaphors involving all kinds of plant life and birds."

The public is invited to a special exhibit opening and reception Friday evening, April 13, 6-8 p.m., to meet the artist and learn about her inspiration and interpretation of the sonnets.

The West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center is a tourist information center and three regional museums located at Interstate 40 and Exit 56 in Brownsville, Tenn. Hours are Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., and Sunday, 1-5 p.m. All exhibits and museums are free to the public. Groups and tours buses are welcome. For more information, call 731-779-9000 or visit online at www.westtnheritage.com.

Billy King to sign new book at Delta Heritage Center Open House

Billy King
Historian & Author

Mr. Billy King is one of my favorite persons. I love the fun he has with history and learning all he can about the area encompassed by the Big Black Creek Historical Association. And now, Mr. Billy has written a book, "Big Black Creek, Vol. 1" It's a timeline of the history and people of the Big Black Creek area. It's an easy read and full of historical facts and some very interesting character. In his fun Mr. Billy-style, there are some witty observations, too. 

You'll love this book. Cost is only $10 and all that money goes to the Big Black Creek Historical Association and it's efforts to preserve and protect. And you don't want to miss the opportunity for Mr. Billy to sign a personal copy for you.

He will be at the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center Sunday, December 4, at 2 p.m. to share some of his stories and to autograph books. It's a public event and everyone is welcome. There'll also be some yummy refreshments, too.

Here's more about the book:

http://www.westtnheritage.com/events/2011/11billykingbook.html

Bluegrass featured at August “Concert on the Porch”

Join the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center in Brownsville, Tenn., for the fourth in its 'Concert on the Porch' series Saturday, August 20, beginning at 7 p.m. This month's concert will feature Wildwood Express, a group of five area musicians who perform the old time stringed music of yesterday. Also appearing with Wildwood Express will be 11-year-old Emma Webb of Memphis.

The concert will open with Webb. Webb is part of the Generation Next series of the Memphis & Shelby County Music Commission and she is also the youngest member of the Memphis Songwriters Association. Webb has been performing in the Memphis area since she was 8. Her performances include music from the 80s to current pop songs plus some originals.

Wildwood Express performs the old time stringed music including bluegrass gospel, instrumentals and old time country. Their instruments of choice include the banjo, dulcimer, mandolin, upright bass and guitar.

The band is made up of Grover Westover, of Brownsville, who does vocals and plays guitar. Paul Jackson is from Bells, Tenn., and does vocals and plays mandolin. Gary Spraggins is on the upright bass and is from Alamo, Tenn. Coley and Marilyn Graves are from Bartlett, Tenn.; Coley does vocals, guitar and banjo, while his wife, Marilyn plays the hammered dulcimer. All are members of the Jackson Tennessee Area Plectral Society whose main purpose is the preservation of old time stringed music.

Everyone is invited to this free event. Bring your lawn chairs or blanket and enjoy an evening of old-time music. For more information, call the Center at 731-779-9000 or visit online at http://www.westtnheritage.com/.

Clark extends education with annual program on Georgia Campus

Sonia Outlaw-Clark, director of the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center is among three area tourism professionals who have completed their second year of STS Marketing College in Dahlonega, Georgia. Pictured with Clark are (from left) Jackson Tenn. Convention and Visitors Bureau Director Lori Nunnery, Clark, STS Vice President of Communications and Public Relations Neville Bhada, and Shiloh National Military Park Superintendent Woody Harrell.

Sonia Outlaw-Clark, director of the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center in Brownsville, Tenn., has completed the second year of a three-year professional development program that will lead to certification as a Tourism Marketing Professional (TMP).

Clark was one of 232 tourism professionals enrolled at the Southeast Tourism Society Marketing College last month.  The week-long program turns the facilities of North Georgia College and State University in Dahlonega, Ga., into a laboratory to teach tourism marketing each summer.

There is no other professional development program like STS Marketing College, and it is recognized nationally for its training of tourism leaders. 626 people have earned TMP certification.

“In the tourism industry, TMP certification carries a lot of weight,” said Bill Hardman, president and CEO of the Southeast Tourism Society, a 12-state organization that promotes travel and tourism in the Southeast.

The STS Marketing College began in 1992 to provide continuing education for tourism professionals and feted its 20^th anniversary this year.  Tourism ranks as the first-, second- or third-largest industry in each STS member state. Students come from convention and visitors bureaus, chambers of commerce, attractions, hotels and other segments of the tourism industry.

The curriculum covers topics such as branding, social media, packaging and sports marketing.  Heritage tourism and research are courses that have attracted special interest in recent years.

Twenty-four senior executives in the travel and tourism industry were the volunteer faculty. 

The program attracts students from throughout the Southeast and occasionally from other states.  This year’s program included students from Maryland and Oklahoma.

“Southeast Tourism Society is recognized nationwide for the cohesiveness and camaraderie it fosters in the region.  No other region in the U.S. has a similar organization.  STS Marketing College is a major project to build skills and professionalism in the tourism industry,” Hardman said.

Southern Gospel “Concert on the Porch” July 16

David Smith

The West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center’s summer concert series continues with a Southern Gospel concert Saturday evening, July 16. The free concert will begin at 7 p.m., and features Brownsville’s own David Smith and His Voice of Ripley, Tenn.

Known locally as the Singing Firefighter, Smith loves to sing the old southern gospel favorites like “How Great Thou Art” and “In the Garden,” mixed with more modern tunes such as “What Kinda Car.”

 “His Voice” is a Southern Gospel Trio that includes Larry Kelly of Ripley, Candace Maness of Nutbush, and Mitch Platz of Brownsville. The group has been performing together since 2010.

This event is one the entire family will enjoy and is presented from the porch of the Sleepy John Estes home. There will be some bleacher seating and attendees are also encouraged to bring their lawn chairs and blankets. Popcorn, hot dogs, chips and drinks will be available.

His Voice

For more information about the concert, contact Outlaw-Clark at 731-779-9000. The West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center is located at I-40 and Exit 56, behind McDonald’s, and features three museums. Visit the Center’s website at www.westtnheritage.com.

Blues Fest Returns to Brownsville

Blind Red Rooster will perform live at the Exit 56 Blues Fest Saturday, May 28, beginning at 7 p.m. Members of the group from Northwest Tennessee are Smokin' Joe Watts, Rick Casey, Coby Watts and Rob Kingrey.

Brownsville will once again celebrate its blues heritage during the Exit 56 Blues Fest Saturday, May 28, at the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center. Festivities will include an arts and crafts show, quilt exhibit, book signing, cruise-in and live music. The day long event will run from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m.

Artisans will showcase their wares from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Items for sale will include sunglasses, handmade ribbons and bows, aprons, boutique dresses, flower arrangements, jewelry, handbags, wood products, quilts and more.

Heirloom and more modern quilts will be on display inside the Center as part of the “Heritage Quilts of West Tennessee” special exhibit sponsored by Pat’s Fabrics of Brownsville. Also on exhibit will be the winning art projects of the Haywood County School children for the recent Cinco de Mayo Celebration.

Author Pamela Whinnery will be present from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., to sign copies of her latest cookbook “Country Goodness Recipes of Tennessee Celebrities.” The recipe collection includes recipes from Elvis, Trace Adkins, President Andrew Jackson and more.

Beginning at 5 p.m., local and area artist will perform from the porch of the Sleepy John Estes home, located on the grounds of the Center. Memphis musicians Graham Perry and Kevin Kilgore, members of the group Tucson Simpson will perform at 5 p.m. Brownsville’s own Clifton Smith will take the stage at 6:30; and Union City Blues band Blind Red Rooster will perform at 7 p.m.

Car and motorcycle enthusiasts are invited to cruise-in for any or all of the festivities.

Festival admission and concerts are free and everyone is invited to attend and enjoy a day celebrating the Brownsville blues. The West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center is located off of Interstate 40 at Exit 56, behind McDonald’s. For more information, contact the Center at 731-779-9000 or visit www.westtnheritage.com.

Mickey Utley to kick-off summer concert series

This Sunday, May 22, Brownsville’s own Mickey Utley will kick-off a summer of live performances from the porch of the Sleepy John Estes home at the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center. The summer concert series, called “Concert on the Porch,” will feature local and regional talents each month leading up to the Hatchie Fall Fest in October.

Utley will take the stage (porch) at 3:30 p.m., Sunday, when he will introduce his newest release, “I’m Feelin’ You.” The concerts are free and everyone is invited. Utley will be signing autographs and posing for pictures immediately following the concert. A special exhibit will also be on display inside the Center showcasing items donated by Utley.

Other performers scheduled to make an appearance on “The Porch” this summer are: Hannah Company, Jupiter Stone, David Smith, His Voice, Diverse Five, Wildwood Express, David Evans, Elmo Lee Thomas and more.

For a complete schedule and more information, contact the Center at 731-779-9000, or visit the website: www.westtnheritage.com.

Hopson to sign new book at Delta Heritage Center

The West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center, in Brownsville, Tenn., will host authors and book signing for I Do…Every Day, Words of Wisdom for Newlyweds and Not so Newlyweds, Saturday May 14, from 2 - 4 p.m.

I Do…Every Day, Words of Wisdom for Newlyweds and Not so Newlyweds, is the newest book of devotions from Haywood County native Dr. Cynthia Bond Hopson. This time she has teamed up with her husband, Roger, and they’re on a mission to help newlyweds and couples revitalize marriage as the treasure God intended.

In the 31 reflections released May 1 from Abingdon Press, the Hopsons offer straight talk, ask tough questions that may cause a little blushing (don’t worry, nothing X-rated), and tell stories that will touch readers where they live, inspiring them to be equal partners, friends and lovers. It is for anyone who has ever said “I do,” “I will,” or “I messed up” and even those who are getting ready to walk down the aisle.

This is Hopson’s fifth book and it joins her popular titles, Wiggle Tales, a collection of her columns from the Brownsville States Graphic, an account of media coverage of voter registration in Haywood County, Times of Challenge and Controversy, and her two books of devotions for women, Bad Hair Days, Rainy Days and Mondays, and Too Many Irons in the Fire and They’re All Smoking!

Hopson is the daughter of Mrs. Alvis M. Bond of Stanton and the late John A. Bond Jr., Emma and Carey Bowles. She is assistant general secretary for the United Methodist Church’s General Board of Higher Education and Ministry’s Black College Fund. This is her first writing venture with her husband, a United Methodist minister who serves as executive assistant to the Nashville Area bishop. They live in Lebanon, Tenn.

The West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center is a tourist information center and three regional museums located at Interstate 40 and Exit 56, behind McDonald’s, in Brownsville, Tenn. For more information, call 731-779-9000, or visit website: www.westtnheritage.com.

Dr. Cynthia Bond Hopson and Roger A. Hopson

Mickey Utley to perform “On the Porch”

After two months performing on the Royal Caribbean cruise ship “Voyager of the Sea,” Brownsville’s own Mickey Utley will return to his hometown Sunday, May 22, to perform on the porch of the Sleepy John Estes home at the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center. The concert is free to the public and will begin at 3:30 p.m.

Utley is set to release a new single this summer titled “I’m Feelin’ You.” His last single “Cry like Memphis” is getting worldwide play and has made it on to the Music Row Charts.

“I’m looking forward to coming back home to play,” says Utley of his upcoming concert. “There’s nothing like coming home to perform where it all started.”

Called a soul-billy rocker, Utley says playing music is second nature to him. He also spends time writing and perfecting his rock-n-roll infused country sound.

The May 22 concert is part of the 2011 Summer Concert Series “Concert on the Porch.” Utley CDs will be available for sale and he will also be signing autographs and posing for photos immediately following the concert.

To learn more about Mickey Utley, visit www.mickeyutleymusic.com.

The West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center is a tourism information center with three regional museums located at Exit 56, behind McDonald's, in Brownsville, Tenn. The "Concert on the Porch" series is presented once a month May through September and features performances by local and area artists. To learn more about the Center and for a complete schedule of concerts, visit the website at www.westtnheritage.com.

Exit 56 Blues Fest planned for Memorial Day Weekend

A new event is planned for Memorial Day weekend in Brownsville. It's the Exit 56 Blues Fest and will be held at the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center.

The fest will include arts and crafts, a Quilt Show, cookbook signing, classic car cruise in and concerts from the porch of the Sleepy John Estes home. Plans are in the works and more details will be released soon. In the meantime, save the date .... Saturday, May 28, 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Haywood County Attractions Join Haslam Inaugural Celebration

In honor of Bill Haslam’s inauguration as the state’s 49th governor, Haywood County museums are joining with cultural and historical attractions across the state to stay open and offer free admission on Saturday, January 15, 2011.

The theme of the inaugural celebration is “Tennesseans: Working Together, Moving Forward.” In the spirit of this theme, the governor-elect has asked that cultural establishments, tourist attractions, museums and other points of interest open their doors on Inauguration Day at no charge to the public.

“We’d like to offer this day as a time for Tennesseans across the state to come together in the celebration – wherever they are in the state - and take part in our culture, inventions, history and heritage, as a collective people,” says Kim Kaegi, director of the Haslam inaugural team.

Haywood Countians are encouraged to be a part of this historical event by visiting their local museums. Museums in Brownsville and Stanton will participate and include the Haywood County Museum, Haywood County Sports Museum, Felsenthal Lincoln Collection, Dunbar-Carver Museum, West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center and the Stanton Welcome Center and Lending Library.



College Hill Center
Home to the Haywood County Museum, Haywood County Sports Museum and The Felsenthal Lincoln Collection



The Haywood County Museum, located at the College Hill Center, 127 North Grand, will be open from 1-3 p.m. The Haywood County Sports Museum and the Felsenthal Lincoln Collection, housed at the Center, will also be available for viewing during this time. College Hill was originally established as the Brownsville Baptist Women's College in 1851 and later became the Haywood County High School.

Dunbar Carver Museum is located on the site of the former Carver High School. The Brownsville Unit of the Boys and Girls Club is also located here.

Dunbar-Carver Museum will extend their hours and will open at 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. They are located at 709 East Jefferson Street. The Dunbar-Carver Museum tells the story of African American life in Haywood County through events associated with the one hundred plus year existence of the Dunbar-Haywood County Training-Carver High School.

Blues Pioneer Sleepy John Estes' last home is located on the grounds
of the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center.

The West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center, located at 121 Sunny Hill Cove behind McDonald’s, will be open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. The Delta Heritage Center is home to three museums that explore the early history of cotton production in West Tennessee, music greats who were born and called West Tennessee home and the scenic Hatchie River, the last wild river of the lower Mississippi.

A Historical Marker was placed at the Stanton Welcome Center September 28, 2008, courtesy of the 2008 Leadership Haywood County class.

The Stanton Welcome Center and Lending Library will also open. The Center is located at 49 Main Street in Stanton, and serves as an archive for history and memorabilia for the Town of Stanton, family histories of Stantonians, and digitizes historical photos and stories.