December 2009

 

Dear Country Music Fans,

 

          It is with great excitement that Merle and I announce the opening of the Bellflower Country Opry.  Joining us in our new venture will be our daughter Amy Shelton, Eric Gordon and Derrick Roy.  We have even talked our son-in-law, Andy Heckman, into joining us to help bring some good ‘ole Southern Gospel music to our show.  We will open our doors on February 27, 2010 at the Community Center in Bellflower.  Show time will be at 7:00 p.m., and the tickets prices will be $10.00 for adults and 12 and under free.  If you would like to retain the permanent seats you had for the McLean County Country Opry, please let us know by January 1, 2010.

 

          Our goal is to bring you a family-oriented, Branson-type show that is full of country, gospel, and some occasional bluegrass music.  We will always be open to any ideas/suggestions that you feel would improve the quality of our show, so never hesitate to approach any of us with your ideas.  Our main focus will always be to offer you the quality of show that will have you wanting to come back month after month to see what we have next in store for you.  You will see many familiar faces, whether it be on stage, selling tickets, or popping you some of the best popcorn around.  One of the things that we will be doing to make our shows special will be to bring in guest musicians for each show.  We are billing this as a family show, so we will be pulling in people from a network of our extended musical family.

 

          We do not take this job lightly, because we know that we have very big shoes to fill.  Rick Roy was without a doubt one of the biggest names in country music in the state of Illinois, but it was his love of music, and his compassion for people that kept bringing people back to the McLean County Country Opry for 12+ years.  We know that we will never replace Rick and what he has done for the community of Bellflower and surrounding areas, nor would we even want to attempt that, but be assured that we will all strive 110% to bring you a quality show that would make Rick proud.

 

          We mentioned that our first show will be the 4^th Saturday in February, and will be the 4^th Saturday every month after that, except for three months.  In June and July, the shows will be on the 4^th Sunday, beginning at 2:00 p.m., and our December show will be Saturday, December 18^th.  This will be our Christmas show.  We have included a couple of other things with this letter, one being an opportunity to be one of the Opry’s sponsors, so please be sure and read through it carefully.  Please feel free to photocopy the enclosed Bellflower Country Opry’s flyer to post at churches, community centers, Huck’s, etc. to help get the word out.  For your convenience we have enclosed a listing of our upcoming shows and website information.  The Community Center is wheelchair accessible, and as in the past, does not permit smoking or consumption of alcohol on the premises.

 

          We will be offering different groups and organizations the opportunity to serve a meal before each show, so we will keep you updated on that as we know.  We do know that the Bellflower Lions Club will be serving their pancake and sausage supper on the night of our opening show.

 

          The only thing we ask of you is to help us bring country music back to this area once again (and maybe bring a carload with you when you come!).  We all look forward to your continuing support.

 

 Sincerely,

 

Merle, Marcia, and Amy Shelton

Eric Gordon

Derrick Roy