The Ringgold Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) has purchased 224 new chairs to respond to requests from visitors about seating at the Ringgold Depot. The new Lifetime Brand chairs will replace the approximately 200 assorted metal folding chairs and be used for the wide variety of events hosted at the Depot.
"It was at the top of the CVB's list of improvements for a building that is the center piece of community concerts, plays and family activities," said Randall Franks, former CVB Vice-Chairman, "the direction of the city council to make this improvement in Depot seating led by Councilman Earl Henderson was a positive step." Several comments were made by attendees of last summer's Ringgold Playhouse production of "Bus Stop," about experiencing discomfort while sitting on metal chairs for long shows.
"If the CVB can help to enhance the quality of visitor's experience at the Depot that means we are more likely to get better events and a better turnout to programs that bring tourism to downtown," explained current CVB Chairman Dr. Ronal Gaham. The Ringgold CVB collects revenue from local Hotel/Motel taxes and invests those dollars in events and programs to attract tourism to downtown.
"The chairs have been in place for three events thus far and the response from attendees is a resounding unison response of joy over greater comfort," said Randall Franks. One grateful attendee of the monthly Sacred Sounds concerts at the Depot wrote a touching letter to thank the CVB for making the events more enjoyable:
"I want to thank each and every one of you for the new chairs for the depot, I am a loyal attendee of the Sacred Sounds program and a devoted fan of sacred music. I am a 75 year old woman and I go there and turn and squirm on the seats trying to get comfortable so that I may enjoy the music. You cannot imagine what a delightful difference the last program was for me, the chairs were actually comfortable."
"There is more to come and I look forward to see what else the CVB has in store," said Councilman Franks. The Ringgold Depot has become a popular community event space and is used for weddings throughout the year.
This week the Ringgold Depot will host the Ringgold Playhouse and their presentation of Frederick Knott's "Wait Until Dark," on February 20, 21, 22, 27, 28 and Mar 1. Seating will begin at 7 p.m. and curtain will rise at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for the show and Season Tickets for all 2014 Ringgold Playhouse performances are on sale now. Call 706/935-3061 for more information.