HANK DEWALD, HERALD STAFF WRITER

TODD WETHERINGTON | DAILY HERALD Brent Lubbock, marketing director for Sylvan Heights Waterfowl Park and Eco-Center, speaks to the crowd gathered for Wednesday's tourism and business presentation at The Randy Parton Theatre. Advertisement

ROANOKE RAPIDS - Most of the Valley's visionaries were present at The Randy Parton Theatre Wednesday, setting up elaborate booths full of information and treats to woo some of the most influential travel representatives on the East Coast.

The visitors represented thousands of people who conduct group tours. The goal is to make the theater a regular stop on tours along the East Coast.

Brent Lubbock, marketing director for Sylvan Heights Waterfowl Park and Eco-Center, brought some of his birds and a video presentation of his father, Mike's dream, which has become a reality in Scotland Neck.

The video told the story of Mike Lubbock's life work, which has taken him around the world - and is now here for the world to see in the Roanoke Valley. Mike Lubbock was also a national finalist for Entrepreneur of the Year in 2007.

Representatives of the Roanoke Canal Museum and Trail, celebrating its second anniversary, also had a booth and took part in the presentation. They told the group about the Canal Festival coming up this weekend.

The Lakeland Theater Company, The Centre at Halifax Community College, the soon-to-open RV Resort, Medoc Mountain State Park, Twin Magnolias Bed & Breakfast, Roanoke Island Festival Park, the town of Scotland Neck, Timeless Tea, Historic Halifax, Cracker Barrel, david's restaurant, Java Junction and many more were represented in the lobby of the theater.

Lori Medlin, director of Halifax Tourism, acted as emcee during the main presentation in the theater, given to travel representatives.

“Welcome to Roanoke Rapids and Halifax County, the newest group tour destination in the U.S.,” she said. “We want you to see a show at The Randy Parton Theatre and stay awhile in Halifax County. You are so close to so much.”

Medlin told the group there was more than just the one theater here in the Valley. There are two others well worth checking out. She explained about Lakeland Theatre Company, formerly known as Lakeland Arts Center, which presents locally produced shows on a regular basis, and also talked about the traveling shows presented at The Centre.

Medlin described the future development coming into Carolina Crossroads, through which all had to pass to get to the theater. Construction work was buzzing with work proceeding on the infrastructure, including water, sewer, power and communications, all necessary before actual construction can begin on the many businesses coming to the entertainment district.

Once the presentation was over, guests were treated to lunch provided by david's catering. They dined on the upper level of the Parton theater, overlooking the booth-filled lobby full of people gathering information about the area. Randy Parton mingled with the guests before having to prepare for his afternoon matinee.