The ribbon is cut!

On Saturday morning April 2, 2011, a ribbon cutting ceremony marked the Grand Opening of the new Frederick Visitor Center at 151 S. East St. in Frederick.  After remarks by Frederick Mayor Randy McClement, County Commissioner Paul Smith and Senator David Brinkley, Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Ric Adams presented additional proclamations offering congratulations on the event, such as the one shown above from MD Governor Martin O'Malley that Adams (right) presents to Tourism Council Executive Director John Fieseler.  Tourism Board members, staff and supporters then cut the ribbon and the center opened for visitors 7 days/week from 9am to 5:30pm.

Bell dedicated and rung

The Frederick County History Bell was dedicated and rung for the first time in its permanent home in front of the Visitor Center as part of the Grand Opening of the facility.  Mrs. Frances Randall rang it first, representing the Randall family whose generosity provided for the casting of the bell exactly five years earlier to mark the return of the annual Bell & History Days museum season opening in Frederick County.  Many others than took turns ringing the bell for a total of three minutes.

A Turn of the Wheel premieres

The multi-screen award-winning orientation video A Turn of the Wheels featuring sites and scenes in Frederick County has begun showing in the theater of the new Frederick Visitor Center.  The film shows continuously during Visitor Center hours of 9am to 5:30pm seven days a week.  The film narration is captioned on one of the screens, and there are also assisted listening devices available.