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The Town of Banner Elk to Hold Dedication Ceremony for New Stone Clock Tower this Saturday

BANNER ELK, N.C. – The town of Banner Elk will hold a ceremony this Saturday to dedicate a new stone clock tower.

 

The tower is the first installation in a new park on the corner of Main Street in the heart of town. Both the park and clock were made possible by donations by Elk River resident Elaine J. Wold.

 

Scheduled to speak at the 1:30 p.m. ceremony are state senator Deanna Ballard and Banner Elk mayor Brenda Lyerly. The ceremony will commence with the clock playing three short musical tunes.

 

“We’re going to touch on the history of how this park came about and all of the things that Mrs. Wold has done for the town,” said Lyerly. “We’re also going to unveil the official name of the park.”

 

The park began taking shape last summer when a donation by Wold covered the cost to purchase and tear down a vacant structure at the corner of Main Street and Shawneehaw Avenue. Now a second donation by Wold has made the centerpiece of this pocket park a reality.

 

“It is a really nice-looking clock tower,” Lyerly said. “It chimes regularly on the hour and we can play music when we choose. It has Fourth of July music, Christmas music, Thanksgiving music and a myriad of wonderful tunes.”

 

The four-sided clock tower stands 15 feet tall, with a stone base surrounded by brick pavers.

 

“Everyone has commented on how nice that spot looks. It has really re-energized downtown,” Lyerly said. “The shops and restaurants in the square beside the park are re-doing their frontage and adding on. Every business in town seems to be feeling the energy and upgrading what they have to offer.”

 

The ceremony is open to the public and will last about 30 minutes. Afterward, everyone is invited to walk over to the town green in front of Historic Banner Elk School where there will be refreshments and entertainment.

 

For further details about the dedication, contact the Banner Elk town hall at (828) 898-5398.