Written by Christina Gordon Tuesday, 29 March 2011 13:43

Weldon –The Halifax County Convention and Visitors Bureau and North Carolina’s Touchtone Energy Cooperatives unveiled a public relations/public art campaign Friday night as part of an arts council program at Roanoke River Mill.  The new program is designed to uplift and inspire the Roanoke Valley for years to come.  

“The Outer Banks has painted horses, New Bern has painted Bears, now our goal is to have creatively painted six footRockfish statues in front of businesses, schools, and other key locations across the Roanoke Valley and Lake Gaston” said Gene Minton, Halifax CVB Chairman. 

The Rockfish was chosen as the campaign mascot to pay homage to one of the world’s premier sport fish that chooses to return home to the Roanoke Valley each spring.  Local artists will paint all of the fish.    

“Our intent is for the Rockfish to have a display life of at least three years, beginning this June, but we envision these inspirational creatures to remain up indefinitely,” Minton added.

The Halifax County Convention and Visitors Bureau is committed to making 2011 the most successful summer travel season on record for our area and believes the Rockfish statues will become a unique feature for travelers to enjoy. 

“The Halifax CVB will also design a map, which will lead residents and visitors on a tour of the area,” said Lori Medlin, Halifax Convention and Visitors Bureau President. 

Each location that purchases a fish willbe promoted on radio, newspaper, and on the web.  Businesses interested in purchasing a Rockfish statue are asked to contact the Halifax Convention and Visitors Bureau at 252-535-1687.

A committee of artists, community leaders, and members of the Halifax County Arts Council have been working on this project for several months. 

Halifax Electric Membership representative Brady Martin said, “NC’s Touchstone Energy cooperatives believe that supporting the arts and tourism is vital to a community. The arts bring to life a community’s history; telling the story of what the area once was and where it is now and creating inspiration for future generations.”