The Crooked Road: Virginia's Heritage Music Trail has announced a 100% renewal in contributions from the 10 counties, three cities, and 19 towns that have maintained their commitment to The Crooked Road's mission to generate tourism and economic development in Southwest Virginia by celebrating and preserving this Appalachian region's unique musical and cultural heritage.
In addition to providing organizational and operational support for The Crooked Road, these funds are essential in providing matching support that has enabled The Crooked Road to receive grants from the Appalachian Regional Commission, the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, the Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission, the Virginia Department of Transportation, Virginia Tourism Corporation, and the Virginia Commission for the Arts.
In addition to working closely with local governments and numerous community and civic organizations, The Crooked Road has forged positive and productive partnerships with eight Major Venues and 40 Affiliated Partners, musicians and luthiers, and arts and tourism agencies.
A recent Economic Impact Assessment reported that The Crooked Road generates more than $23 million in annual economic impact to Southwest Virginia. In the past three years The Crooked Road has spent more than $1 million in promoting and marketing the region throughout the state of Virginia, nationally, and internationally. Several Major Venues have received major state and federal funding as a result of their affiliation with The Crooked Road.
Participating counties include Carroll, Dickenson, Floyd, Franklin, Grayson, Lee, Patrick, Scott, Washington, and Wise.
Participating cities are Bristol, Norton, and Galax.
Supporting towns are: Abingdon, Appalachia, Big Stone Gap, Clintwood, Coeburn, Damascus, Floyd, Fries, Gate City, Glade Spring, Haysi, Hillsville, Independence, Jonesville, Pound, Pennington Gap, Rocky Mount, Stuart, and Wise.
For additional information, visit www.thecrookedroad.org or call (276) 292-2085.
