AUGUST 20, 2009 ISSUE
Last Nights of Horn in the West a Great Success
Attendance for the 2009 season of Horn in the West grew 17 percent when compared to 2008.
Last weekend, August 13 through 15, brought wonderful weather welcoming outstanding audiences and awareness to the Southern Appalachian Historical Association (SAHA), which produces the Revolutionary War Outdoor Drama Horn in the West and the Living History Museum Hickory Ridge Homestead. Attendance this year in comparison to the 2008 season, which at that time was Horn’s best closing in decades, grew by 17 percent.
Attendance for each night of the closing weekend kept growing and the final show was a sell-out. Up-top staff had to scramble to find more chairs to add to the amphitheatre. Some guest even chose to sit on the concert steps on the sides.
From the cast point of view, each night the performance stepped up to a new all-time best. Tears, cheers and hugs that are given on stage with in the story line took on new passion. They wanted to make sure the audience felt the love they had for the history they were so honored to uphold this past summer.
Jenny Cole, who plays Widow Howard, stated that after 24 years of being with the cast, she for the first time shed tears of pride for a season like no others, as well as the honor to perform to such an outstanding full audience. Cole said, “I could not believe it when the tears started, at that moment I know just how lucky all of us here at the Horn are to do what we do. It is an honor to keep the history of the brave settlers of the higher country alive for others to know what sacrifices were made for our freedom that we sometimes take for granted. They were true heroes and it is the least we can do to honor them.”
The audience that attended the last weekend of shows was treated to true outdoor theatrical experience like no other. Audience members who have seen the show before stated time after time that the 2009 season surpassed all they have seen.
Those new to Horn in the West and the Hickory Ridge Homestead were amazed at the beauty of the entire experience and made comments about it being some of the best professional theater they have ever seen. Audience member Tammy Hartley said, “I have always known about the Horn but never took the time until this summer to come. I was amazed at the professionalism of the actors and the museum was icing on the cake! I have told everyone in the Johnson City area they must come to Boone and see the best shows ever.”
Virginia Roseman, director of public relations, said, “We are thrilled that since 2007 our attendance has grown by almost 30 percent, but would like to share it is at a price. Knowing that economic times have been tough and might be for a little while longer, we at SAHA felt it was our duty to provide the best entertainment for the dollar. We offered county discounts for every county in North Carolina, several coupon options and, to share our good fortune, sold greatly discounted tickets to hotels and other locations. So the revenue for SAHA did go up but not to the tune of the audience growth. These discounts were done with the understanding that SAHA wants to be a contributor to the community as a whole and hopes that word of mouth advertising will help to make up the difference next year and the growth of the attendees will show the true worth of all the endeavors taking on by this organization.”
If you as a reader know or can appreciate what the Southern Appalachian Historical Association is doing for tourism and the economic welfare of our community, consider becoming a member of the organization. SAHA is a nonprofit organization that can only continue with membership support. Click to www.HornintheWest.com and download an application and mail it to: PO Box 295 Boone, NC 28607. Please also know that since the organization is nonprofit, any donation you allocate to the organization can be a tax-deduction.
Community Interest
News & Notes
Events
Arts & Entertainment
