There was lively discussion at the Alderson Area Businesses meeting on Thursday. First, to hopefully eliminate any confusion, two things are under discussion. The   first   is   a   one   or   two   day   "event"   tentatively   called   HOOT   or   History   of   Our   Town.   This   event   will happen   at   the   end   of   May   and   feature,   at   this   point,   strawberry   picking,   a   paintball   zombie   hunt,   the   huge jump   pad   and   more   at   Sunset   Berry   Farm;   strawberry   milkshakes   at   the   Big   Wheel;   a   market   at   the   River Ridge   Campground;   an   antique   tractor   and   farm   implement   show   at   J   and   M   Farms   and   more.   There   is still   room   for   additional   events   so   think   about   what   you/your   business   could   offer   for   one   or   two   days. Jennifer   Gilkerson   is   working   with   state   folks   to   get   some   advertising   money   for   these   agriculture   related activities.   Contact   Jennifer   if   you   would   like   to   add   your   event   or   for   more   information.   Jennifer   Gilkerson <sunsetberryfarm@hotmail.com> The   second   is   an   effort   to   wrap   together   Alderson   tourism   experiences   into   packages   such   as   a   place   to stay,   a   place   or   places   to   eat,   and   activities   to   participate   in.   For   example,   a   package   might   include   a   2 night   stay   at   the   Old   Victorian   Inn;   a   voucher   for   $20   for   lunch   for   2   at   the   Riverview   Cafe;   a   voucher   for $40   for   dinner   for   2   at   the   Big   Wheel;   and   a   voucher   for   a   paintball   session   at   Sunset   Berry   Farm. Another package   might   include   2   nights   at   the   Riverview   Motel;   a   voucher   for   a   4-hour   guided   fishing   trip   on   the Greenbrier   River;   and   a   voucher   for   $40   for   dinner   at   the   Big   Wheel.   There   was   discussion   of   a   menu where   people   could   choose   from   lodging,   dining,   and   event/activities   to   create   packages.   Offerings   in   the packages   do   not   need   to   be   discounted.   They   can   be   a   full   price.   The   advantage   to   the   tourist   is   being able to line up and book everything at once. As   usual,   the   devil   is   in   the   details! A   central   booking   location   is   needed   to   take   payments   and   to   distribute the   vouchers   to   the   guests   when   they   arrive.   Mayor   Copenhaver   is   investigating   some   possibilities   for   this. Events/attractions/services   MUST   be   open   at   the   times   they   are   scheduled.   Transportation   is   an   issue   if they   arrive   on   AMTRAK.   The   CVB   will   be   happy   to   include   our   offerings   and   contact   info   in   their   tourism information outlets to help advertise. Time   is   of   the   essence   here   since   spring   and   tourists   with   pent   up   demand   for   the   opportunity   to   do something   are   coming! The   next   meeting   is   scheduled   for   9   a.m.   on Tuesday,   March   2   at   City   Hall.   Please join   in   with   your   ideas   for   the   packages   and   how   this   all   might   work.   Mayor   Copenhaver   plans   to   invite   Phil Mershon, who manages the Town's web site, to join us. See you there!