Indian Village redo

May 06, 2009 (The Bland County Messenger - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- IDVBE | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating -- After four months of repairs and renovations, the Wolf Creek Indian Village & Museum will host its grand reopening on Saturday, May 9, at 1 p.m. There will be a ribbon cutting and free tours of the complex.

"This will be an opportunity for everyone to see what we've done," remarked County Administrator Jonathan D. Sweet, who provided some of the muscle power for the project. "Much of the work was aesthetic. We did a lot of painting and staining and general cleaning inside and out."

Earlier this year, the Wolf Creek Indian Village & Museum became the property of the Bland County Board of Supervisors after the Bland County Historical Society relinquished ownership. The tourist attraction is now owned by the Bland County Economic Development Authority.

"The EDA is charged with the site's day-to-day operation," Sweet noted. "It will be responsible for the success of the Indian Village."

According to Sweet, a debt of $112,541.23 against the complex has been satisfied. The payment came from money budgeted by the Board of Supervisors for capital outlay projects.

"The board felt the property was certainly worth the investment," Sweet stated. "The board thought it was a good investment."

The Indian Village's two co-directors, Denise Smith and Penny Plummer, became county employees following the takeover. Also now employed at the village and museum are two full-time guides, two part-time guides, an office manager and a cashier.

"We're really glad this is happening," Smith commented earlier this week. "We're grateful to the county for believing in this place. There's still a lot of work to be done. Our volunteer membership drive is beginning soon and we're hoping for a lot of support."

Among the many improvements at the museum are 17 displays dedicated to Native American culture. Included are artifacts, tribal history and chronology.

"It's a true museum now," Sweet commented.

The gift shop also doubled its inventory. It offers an array of related items for sale.

While many of the repairs and remodeling at the Indian village are ongoing, some improvements have been completed. The palisades and a wigwam have been rebuilt with work stations reworked.

"We feel good about it," Sweet commented. "The EDA has been working on some marketing strategies and advertising. There are so many variables -- the economy, travel costs and the amount of disposable income. School budgets and family budgets are decreasing. We're hoping for more 'staycations.' With people staying closer to home, we hope they will check out the Indian village."

Admission rates will remain the same. The cost will be $10 for adults and $6 for children under the age of 5.

Family rates will be $35 for two adults and three or more children. Group rates also are available.

Wolf Creek Indian Village & Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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