|
|
See
Lancaster Reports
Year in Review for See Lancaster
As See Lancaster closes its third operating year we look back and realize
just how much has been accomplished and how Lancaster County is developing
its own tourists and visitors attractions. We began July 2007 with the
announcement that See Lancaster had been awarded the monies for researching
and inventorying the cultural/heritage assets throughout the county. This
research was to be part of a three step process in developing the Lancaster
County Tourists Action Plan. The Cultural and Heritage Tourism project is
now complete as is the National Main Street Assessment of our three
municipalities. The third part, a new Charrette or strategic plan, is
expected to be accomplished sometime in the future.
We also became involved with Carolina Thread Trail, a regional initiative
involving 15 counties in NC and SC. The plan is a long range regional
network of trails and greenways for walking, biking, commuting and simply
enjoying. It will create a permanent legacy of conservation by linking
communities and attractions across both Carolinas. Best of all the Carolina
Thread Trail will be free and accessible to all. The planning grant to help
organize and make the public aware of the potential trails within the county
will be submitted during the next 12 months.
We just received word that Lancaster County has been awarded the distinction
of being a Preserve America Community. This recognition opens up many new
opportunities for state and federal grants to be used throughout the county
and its municipalities. A White House initiative created by President Bush,
Preserver America was created to encourage and support community efforts to
preserve and enjoy the nation’s cultural and natural heritage.
See Lancaster sponsored or partnered with others to bring events into
Lancaster County that were enjoyable for both the local residents and out of
town guests. Each municipality has developed its own events that were
designed for their specific locality. Heath Springs continues its July 4th
Independence Day Celebration and is also known for the Santa Train stopover
for Winterfest. Kershaw brings together many people who enjoy bar-b-que at
its two-day Hog Jam event, as well as to Spring-a-thon, an event of long
standing. Lancaster continues to hold a downtown Main Street event in
conjunction with the Prevention of Youth Substance Coalition Conference held
on the campus of USC-Lancaster. The city of Lancaster is also becoming
recognized for its popular Christmas Santa Train. The Lancaster Downtown
Business Association will be planning additional activities to further
enhance the overall Santa Train event.
Each municipality has either established an active group for their planning
and marketing ideas or they are in the process. We should see energetic,
effective planning and implementation by these interested citizens in the
coming year. Each community has its own agenda of things they wish to
accomplish from marketing their particular areas as they work toward long
range goals. Each is finding its own voice to direct their future events.
See Lancaster will participate by assisting these organizations as needed in
marketing or promoting their events.
Perhaps the most exciting news for the staff of See Lancaster is that the
Visitor’s Center located in the Springs House is becoming more well known.
See Lancaster, in cooperation with the Chamber of Commerce, can assist with
materials and information that visitors or newcomers wish to have. We now
have a small gift shop and carry the well-received Christmas Ornaments that
highlight historic and important sites through out Lancaster County. We
carry other memorabilia items that make good gifts or items to remember your
visit to Lancaster. The staff is also helpful to groups or individuals who
which to have packets of information for an event or meeting. We often
assist wedding members who wish to send their out of town guests information
about the area.
We invite you to write, call or visit See Lancaster to discuss how we might
assist you or your group in making Lancaster County a better place to live
and visit. We are located at 201 W. Gay. Our phone number is 803-286-1145 or
you may email us at seelancaster@seelancaster.org or visit us on the web at
www.seelancaster.org.
By: Nancy Howell, See Lancaster Volunteer
|
