Drinks At The Depot Recap

A big THANK YOU to everyone who joined us from near and far for Drinks at the Depot on Tuesday November 28th! We think you'll agree that it was a resounding success with over 200 attendees!  We set out to let our voices be heard and succeeded beyond our wildest dreams.  Thank you all for making the effort on such a chilly night.

Many of our visiting dignitaries were greatly impressed with the turn out and with our enthusiasm for the return of passenger rail to Burke County.  

Representative Hugh Blackwell and Dan Gurley, deputy chief of staff to NC Speaker Tim Moore, at the "Drinks at the Depot" event at the Morganton Depot

“Despite the cold weather, there was obvious enthusiasm, even unanimity, in support for the new rail service.  I am very optimistic, based on the best information available to me, that the federal government will approve the new rail corridor with passenger service from Salisbury to Asheville. I am also very optimistic that the money to make the corridor a reality is going to be made available and that actual operation will include train stops in Burke County.”  Representative Hugh Blackwell

“I thought it was a well-attended event with lots of enthusiasm for the rail expansion.  Hopefully the federal government will approve the expansion and track corridor upgrade.” Senator Warren Daniel.  

"Waiting for the Train" at the Morganton Depot during the "Drinks at the Depot" event

And from the surprise call-in from NC House Speaker Tim Moore:

"You've got two great legislators there in Senator Daniel and Rep. Blackwell who have been tireless working on projects around the state and particularly in Burke County. I just wanted to echo their support from my office for what you guys are seeking to do. I just wanted to give a shout-out and let you know you can count on our support in Raleigh to help you guys with this project."

"By the way, I love the name 'Waiting for the Train.' I think it's great."

Barbara Lynam, Dan Gurley, and Jason Myers at the Morganton Depot

Special thank you to our speakers: Morganton Mayor Ronnie Thompson, Jason Myers from the NCDOT Rails Division, Claude Sitton of the History Museum of Burke County, and Dan Gurley, with a surprise address by phone from NC House Speaker Tim Moore.

We also wanted extend a huge thank you to all of our sponsors who graciously supported our event: Downtown Morganton, North Carolina, Morganton Downtown Development Association Supporter of "Brick & Mortar"., Burke Development, Inc., Nest Realty Morganton, Food Matters Market - Morganton, Fonta Flora Brewery, SideTracked Brewery, The Olive of Morganton, and Burke Arts Council