Division of Tourism Honors AMT
ELKINS, W.Va. – American Mountain Theater already is known as “the freshest sound in the mountains.” Now it’s been officially recognized as one of West Virginia’s most innovative, unique tourism activities.
The West Virginia Division of Tourism honored the Randolph County music and variety show with its Mountain State Award, given to “the facility that stands above the rest in excellence in programming, distinctiveness, marketing efforts and economic impact.” President and Producer Kenny Sexton accepted the award on behalf of the group Wednesday during the awards luncheon at the Governor’s Conference on Tourism in Morgantown.
“We’re honored and humbled to be recognized with this prestigious award,” Sexton said. “West Virginia has some of the best tourism entrepreneurs anywhere, and we’re proud to be considered among them.”
Among other honorees at the conference included Jim Justice as the tourism professional of the year and The Greenbrier for its website and marketing campaign related to The Greenbrier Classic golf tournament.
James Spears, the chief of staff for Gov. Joe Manchin who spoke on the governor’s behalf, singled out Sexton and The American Mountain Theater during his remarks to attendees. He noted the outstanding cooperation shown by AMT, working with other businesses and attractions in the region to encourage visitors to stay multiple days and take advantage of all the Potomac Highlands have to offer.
The Phillips Group, a marketing and communications firm based in Elkins, nominated AMT for the award. In the nomination letter, the firm noted the amazing growth experienced despite tough economic conditions.
More than half the visitors to the 527-seat, $1.8 million theater come from out of the state, with attendance more than doubling from the 2007 debut to 2008. It rose another 57 percent in 2009 and is projected to increase by more than 10 percent this year. Visitors have come from at least 42 states, the District of Columbia and nine countries.
Situated in the historic Railyard area of Elkins, the talented cast of American Mountain Theatre puts on three distinct shows – the Premier Two-Hour Evening Show, a one-hour History of American Music Show, and the incredibly popular Christmas Spectacular. Add the special Southern Gospel Series, and the theater features 210 shows per year. Programming changes annually, giving people a reason to come back time after time – something many do.
During a West Virginia Tourism Commission meeting earlier in the conference, Kathy Johnson, who specializes in group tours for the state, noted the extremely high number of motorcoaches that visit Elkins. She attributed that increase to the work of AMT, which has targeted that industry as a way to bring thousands of visitors to the area annually.
“Kenny plays a vital role in attracting visitors to our area,” said Brenda Pritt, executive director of the Randolph County Convention and Visitors Bureau. “His tireless efforts are a huge help to the CVB and the tourism-related businesses in our county.”
American Mountain Theater just wrapped up its increasingly popular summer Gospel series, and the two-hour Premier Show runs through Oct. 30.
Public shows pause in November, with the Christmas Spectacular shows running from Friday, Nov. 26 (the day after Thanksgiving) until Saturday, Dec. 19. People are encouraged to get their tickets for the Christmas shows right away, as sellout crowds have become the norm.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.americanmountaintheater.com
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49 Martin Street ● Elkins, West Virginia 26241
304.630.3040 ● fax: 304.636.7798 ● americanmountaintheater.com