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April 21, 2008

Let the show begin

Corbin receives grant toward Col. Sanders production

By Samantha Swindler / Managing Editor

Our white-haired U.S. Congressman had one all-important question before announcing a grant toward the creation of a play on the life of Colonel Harland Sanders.

“Have you picked the lead role yet?” Hal Rogers joked.

During a press conference Friday at the Center for Rural Development in Somerset, Rogers announced the city of Corbin had received a $13,200 grant to conduct a feasibility study and develop plans for an outdoor amphitheater and production of a musical drama about the city’s most famous resident. The Corbin Tourism Commission has agreed to provide a $3,300 local grant match.

Though Rogers might not make a casting call-back, he supported the project and the impact it could have on not only Corbin, but the region.

“I want you to also lift yourselves up above the atmosphere and look at the region...” he told the grant recipients. “What you do in Corbin helps all of us... Look at the region, look at what you can do locally to help the region.”

The grant project has been a collaboration among the city of Corbin, the Corbin Tourism Commission, Corbin Main Street and the Whitley County Fiscal Court.

Whitley Judge-Executive Pat White Jr. and Director of Community Projects Josh Bunch were also on hand during the check presentation. Bunch actually wrote the grant to receive the funding.

“We’re excited about working with the city to bring a regional approach through this grant,” White said. “It can really help the tourism in the area.”

Corbin has six months to complete the feasibility study, which will be conducted through the Institute for Outdoor Drama.

Lexington and Memphis, Tenn. residents Bo List and Chris Toliver are writing the musical, which will follow the colorful character of Col. Sanders from his childhood to his senior years and the creation of Kentucky Fried Chicken.

The idea for the play was first presented to the Corbin Tourism Commission two years ago. After sitting on the drawing board for a few years, Main Street Manager Sharae Myers reintroduced the plan and worked with Bunch to secure funding for the first step in the project.

“I think it’s just amazing that in this part of the state and country that politicians recognize the investment arts can provide to an area,” List said.

Toliver said Sander’s personal struggles are a great entrepreneurial inspiration.

“His story echoes what a lot of Americans go through to get the American dream,” he said.

The feasibility study will help determine if there is enough traffic and interest to support an amphitheater — tentatively planned for near the new expo center — and an annual, summer-long production of the play.

Funding for the study comes from the federal Appalachian Regional Commission, which received 15 grant submissions and funded four of them in this cycle. Other awards were for Bell County to develop a comprehensive plan, McCreary County to develop an economic development plan, and the city of Inez to develop a community strategic plan. A total of $66,000 was awarded Friday.

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