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Event/Site:
Fall Fundraiser at the Seniors' Country Store
on Old Hwy 52 in Welcome
Date: Third Saturday in October,
10:00am - 1:00pm. Music 10:00am -1:00pm.
Type: Festival including local gospel and
bluegrass musicians, a puppet show, and handcrafted
items for sale, presented at a country store.
Location: The Seniors'Country Store is located
at 6031 (Old) NC Hwy 52 in the middle of town in Welcome,
NC. Click
here for a map.
Cost: Free.
Parking: Free parking available at
the store and in the church parking lot nearby. Parking
adequate for bus tours.
Special Needs Access: Venue is fully
accessible.
Signage: Signs at location, but not
en route.
Sponsor: Friends of the Country Store
The Country Store
6031 NC Hwy 52
Welcome, NC 27374
(336) 731-2211
Contact:
Edna Prentis
Welcome, NC
(336) 731-6259;
(336) 731-8251 (fax)
Description of Event: About 200 people
come by during the October fundraiser to browse, shop,
eat barbecue, buy a fried pie from the baked goods
for sale, and enjoy the music and atmosphere of the
Seniors' Country Store and the town of Welcome. Past
years have featured a popular local gospel group,
Jean Leonard and the Singing Laymen, anchoring the
lineup and helping emcee the event. A local puppet
show troupe and other gospel and bluegrass musicians
from the area, such as Senator Stan Bingham and friends,
contribute their talents to the day and to the Country
Store coffers.
History of Site/Event: The fundraiser for
the Seniors' Country Store began in 1979, and proceeds
from the event have helped with improvements.
Description of Site/Facility: The
Davidson County Seniors' Country Store in Welcome
is a large open facility that "has been everything
from a church to a store" where seniors show
and sell their hand-crafted items, including quilts,
woodwork and embroidery. At the other end of the building
is Andy's BBQ, where people can get good barbecue,
grilled chicken sandwiches and pintos.
Significance of Site/Event to the Community:
The fall fundraiser is a community social
event that broadens the store's economic base. In
addition, it's "just an old-timey good time"
and a chance to enjoy the sounds of the region and
a fried pie. Event organizer and lifelong Welcome
native Mrs. Edna Prentis notes that The Country Store
"means everything to the people who sell there."
The Store and the festival provide a welcome source
of income and enjoyment for the seniors who sell their
handicrafts.
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