Wilson Economic Development Council
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Cultural Events

Wilson Hosts Theater of the American South


Wilson, NC - Theater of the American South, a new cultural tourism initiative promoting Southern drama, makes its debut in the spring of 2006. This annual festival will feature two professionally-produced plays presented in repertory over a three-week period at the Boykin Cultural Center in Wilson. Theater of the American South aims to draw audiences from the Triangle and Triad, North Carolina areas, Richmond, Charlotte, and beyond seeking a weekend getaway. Theater productions will be combined with lectures, cooking demonstrations, and other attractions in a rich array of Southern culture.

Theater of the American South is presented under the auspices of the Arts Council of Wilson, which has received grants of $75,000 from the Golden LEAF Foundation and $20,000 from the Wilson County Tourism Development Authority to launch the festival.

These grants build on the $1.3 million investment already made by the Wilson community in renovating the historic Boykin Cultural Center, a 640-seat downtown theater originally built as a vaudeville venue.

Wilson Economic Development CouncilWilson Boasts All-American Rose Garden

The Wilson Rose Garden is frequently rated by well-traveled visitors among the top ten most beautiful rose gardens in the country. 

The 2006 All-American rose selection winners will be on display in two beds in the garden and include Tahitian Sunset, an apricot pink blend hybrid tea; Rainbow Sorbet, a bi-color yellow-red floribunda; Julia Child, a butter gold floribunda; and Wild Blue Yonder, a ruffled lavender blend glandiflora.  These varieties are scheduled for initial nation-wide marketing release this year.

The Wilson Rose Garden receives free plants one year in advance of their release on the market because it's a nationally-accredited All-American Selections Public Garden. 

This free attraction is open daily.  The garden is located at 1800 Herring Ave. (NC 42) at the City Operations Center, just west of U.S. 301.  For more information visit www.wilsonrosegarden.com or call 252.399.2261.