Hey gang…sorry I’m late getting this post up…BUT…Balsam Range was honored by our home county on August 10, 2012 by an official proclamation by the Haywood County Board of Commissioners that that would be BALSAM RANGE APPRECIATION DAY in Haywood County! We want to thank the elected officials as well as the County Administration for such an honor. The band was read the official proclamation at a BOCC meeting…and given the opportunity to speak and have some pictures made. It was a special time! Here is how the proclamation read:

“WHEREAS, the members of the award-winning Bluegrass band Balsam Range started as five friends from Haywood County; and

WHEREAS, the members of the band-Buddy Melton, Darren Nicholson, Marc Pruett, Tim Surrett and Caleb Smith-have achieved remarkable success in the music industry as individuals and as members of the band; and

WHEREAS, Balsam Range promotes the understanding and enjoyment of traditional Appalachian music, performs concerts that reflect wholesome family values; and

WHEREAS, Balsam Range has received international acclaim by winning the 2011 International Bluegrass Music Association’s Song of the Year for “Trains I Missed;” and

WHEREAS, Balsam Range is a viable Haywood County-based small business that gives back to the community through numerous benefit concerts for nonprofit organizations; and

WHEREAS, Balsam Range promotes their home county and its history to the nation through concert tours and their media organization Balsam Nation; and

WHEREAS, their newest recording “Papertown” pays tribute to Canton and its paper mill and the official premier will be held at 7:30 p.m., Friday, August 10, 2012 at Canton’s restored Colonial Theater.

NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved that the Haywood County Board of Commissioner’s, in recognition of their individual and collective achievements and dedication to Haywood County, officially designates Friday, August 10, 2012 as Balsam Range Day.”

The resolution was signed by Chairman Mark Swanger and County Manager, Marty Stamey. In addition to those two men, Balsam Range wants to express sincere gratitude to other members of the Board: Vice Chairman, Kirk Kirkpatrick, Kevin Ensley, Bill Upton, and Mike Sorrells.

AS A WONDERFUL SIDE NOTE TO THIS POST…our friend and Canton’s Mayor, Mike Ray presented each member of the band with a KEY TO THE CITY at the concert that night!!!