Ready for the big game

Drivers going past Shelby's Hampton Inn may have noticed a change to the hotel in the last few weeks.

The hotel recently finished updating its paint job, one of many upgrades the hotel has undergone in the past few years.
General Manager Todd Blanton said the hotel rooms have been renovated and the rooms host all new furniture.

The changes are good because the hotel, like others in the Shelby area, will get plenty of use later this year when the 2008 American Legion World Series comes to town.

Know someone who needs to book a room for the World Series or the southeastern regional that precedes it? You may be out of luck. Blanton's Hampton Inn and the nearby Holiday Inn Express will both serve as hosts for the teams and have no vacancies for the time period.

The regional will be held from Aug. 13-18 and the championship series will be held from Aug. 21-26.
Hotels aren't the only ones to benefit.

Eddie Holbrook, co-chairman of the World Series, said American Legion Headquarters estimates in excess of a $5.5 million economic impact on the city and county.

"All areas will profit significantly," he said. "The city will be flooded (with people) for two continuous weeks."

Movie promises to bring tourism dollars to the county

And speaking of events that should bring tourism money to Cleveland County, the upcoming movie, Blood Done Sign my Name, is expected to make an impact as it is filmed in Shelby.

Matt Clackum, a representative of the film's production company, said he expects to use local vendors as much as possible for the five days of filming on the courtsquare and for other locations around the county.

Tim Tyson, the writer of the book the movie is based on, and director Jeb Stuart, a Gaston County native, will be at Shelby High on April 23 to discuss the book and movie, sharing its themes and leading a discussion on race, history, reconciliation and storytelling.
The event begins at 7:30 with doors opening at 7 p.m. at Malcolm Brown Auditorium. In addition to the discussions, gospel singer Mary Williams will also perform.

Have you got your tickets for the Mark Wood concert?

Tickets are still available for Mark Wood's concerts Friday and Saturday night.

The third annual performance started as a fundraiser for the Shelby High Orchestra.

Tickets for the performances can be purchased online at etix.com or on the Cleveland County Schools' Web site at www.clevelandcountyschools.org.

You can contact Business Reporter Drew Brooks at drewbrooks@shelbystar.com.