A Labor of Love!

I'd like to personally thank Cecil and Barbara Hall and their family for the gracious hospitality shown me and almost 2,000 gospel music fans and campers who enjoyed one of the most successful Labor Day Weekend Gospel Singings in the history of their scenic venue, Dominion Valley Park. I enjoyed emceeing the Friday evening portion of the 3-day event that featured some of the top Southern and bluegrass gospel performers in the country. The Labor Day Weekend Gospel Singing is the largest of three major Dominioin Valley gospel music presentations each year, including the Memorial Day Weekend and July Gospel Singings.

As usual, the park was imaculately prepared, and Cecil, Barbara, and other members of the Hall family went out of their way to make sure that their treasured guests thoroughly enjoyed their stay at the park. In addition to being thankful for her own family, Barbara said she considers all the many fine people who keep coming back to Dominion Valley Park year after year to be "family" as well. The people who come here from far and near agree that the family atmosphere and fellowship at the park is as much a part of their enjoyment as the gospel music. One wheelchair bound patron from Rural Hall, N.C., told me he'd been coming to Dominion Valley and sitting in the same spot for 21 years. Many other folks like coming here just as much and are no less faithful.

The Hall family is to be commended for the effort, time, and commitment involved in opening their beloved property to the public and providing safe, wholesome family entertainment to thousands of local residents and visitors. The park's popular shows also attract tourists to our county from all over the country. The economic impact of Dominion Valley Park on the local economy over the more than 20 years it has been in operation is incalculable but most certainly highly significant.

As folks took a break from their daily labors and bid an unofficial goodbye to the summer season during the Labor Day weekend at Dominion Valley Park, it became clear to me that Cecil, Barbara, and family do no consider all the hard work that goes into presenting top-notch Christian entertainment here to be labor at all. It's obviously a labor of love!

Thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Dominion Valley Park, Cecil and Barbara Hall, and your loving family for your warm hospitality. Your family is an assett to this wonderful county which loves you dearly!

Until next time, may God bless you all with a "great day!"

Sincerely,
Richard Rogers,
Host of WHEO'S "The Great Day in the Morning Show"