For the 16th consecutive year, a group of approximately 70 airstreamers visited Hillsville from all over the country.
The large group from Region 3 of Airstream Club International were in Hillsville visiting the Historic Carroll County Courthouse and the Carroll County Historical Society Museum before enjoying lunch at the Hale-Wilkinson-Carter Home. The airstreamers (a group of RVers who share a mutual love of the brand) were in the area for the Annual Old Fiddlers’ Convention in Galax, but also to spend a day in Hillsville.
Members of the group departing the Fiddlers’ Convention for a day on August 7 were treated to a fabulous home-cooked meal at the Carter Home of ham with pineapple, pinto beans, cornbread, tomatoes, cucumbers, peach cobbler and more.
“Thank you all for coming. This is a perfect day,” said Elizabeth Huff of the Hale-Wilkinson-Carter Foundation. “We work as a foundation and we really appreciate all of you coming. I know you have been here for several years and we are getting ready very, very soon to tackle these porches that need it so badly, the tile, the ceilings, that is going to be the first thing that we are going to be tackling. We welcome you to look around our house. This was built in 1845, it was renovated, started out as two stories and ends up now being five stories...We have an art gallery on the first floor and they would like to have you in the art gallery, so please come in and see what they have. We are so glad to have you here.”
Lauren Chitwood, Tourism Director for the Town of Hillsville and the Town of Hillsville Farmers Market Manager, told the out-of-town visitors they were in the presence of old and new friends alike.
“We are so glad you are in the Town of Hillsville today to spend some time, peruse our town and see all the different things we have to offer,” Chitwood said. “I did leave you some Hillsville swag, some stickers and things on the table as well as magazines.”
Assistant to the Town Manager Valerie Padgett spoke on behalf of Hillsville Town Manager LeAnna Surratt.
“LeAnna is out of town today but she wanted to welcome you all to the town of Hillsville and tell you we are so thankful you all stopped today at the beautiful Carter Home. It is just an amazing place,” Padgett said. “Once again, welcome to the Town of Hillsville.”
Shelby Inscore-Puckett, President of the Carroll County Historical Society, said long-time local educator Betty Patton started the program for airstreamers with her husband Junior 16 years ago.
“Betty and Junior were the ones who started the airstreamers coming and they didn’t miss a year,” Inscore-Puckett said. “This is the 16th year they have been here, which I think is absolutely wonderful. Thank you all. You are a wonderful group and I love to see you all.”
Allen Worrell can be reached at (276) 779-4062 or on X@AWorrellTCN
Most Popular
Comments / 0