A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT to appropriate funds to renovate the carolina theatre in spruce pine.
Whereas, the Carolina Theatre, a cultural event attraction facility of downtown Spruce Pine, was built in 1937 during the heyday of the Silver Screen; and
Whereas, out of the Carolina Theatre the Carolina Barn Dance was broadcasted live on 512 radio stations across the United States. From 1949 until sometime in 1954 the Carolina Barn Dance was broadcasted by radio to every state in the nation, except Washington; and
Whereas, the Spruce Pine newspaper archives are full of references to the upcoming plethora of performers: Patsy Cline, Bill Monroe, Hank Snow, Sonny James, Kitty Wells, Chet Atkins, String Bean, to name just a few who later became famous. Other performers included Scotty and Lula Belle Wiseman; and
Whereas, the Carolina Theatre is a classic example of theatre architecture of the era and its preservation is significant to downtown Spruce Pine; and
Whereas, since then a not-for-profit 501(c)3 has been formed and a restoration plan put into effect. The Carolina Preservation Association, Inc., was formed and a local board selected. The restoration of the old theater is underway and progress is being made on a daily basis; Now, therefore,
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  There is appropriated from the General Fund to the Carolina Theatre Preservation Association, Inc., a nonprofit organization, the sum of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) for the 2007‑2008 fiscal year for renovation of the Spruce Pine facility.
SECTION 2.  This act becomes effective July 1, 2007.