After several years of dreaming, planning, fighting, and executing on the plan, Ronnie Gilley’s dream of creating a world class entertainment community in Houston County Alabama.  The dream is called Country Crossing and it will make Dothan, Ala. the capital of country music outside of Nashville, Tenn.  Country Crossing had its Grand Opening January 15- January 17 with a three day concert containing more than 21 artists, including Neal McCoy, Joe Nichol, Tracy Lawrence, Lorrie Morgan, Darryl Worley, and The Commodores, and to thank the people of South Alabama the entire concert was free to the public. 

                The centerpiece of this entertainment community is the lavish Bingo Pavilion, and the focus of the fighting.  Gilley continues to wage a fierce battle with one faction of state legislators over the issue of electronic bingo and the right to have the issue added to the ballot for a vote of the people.  For an area of Alabama that has been hit hard by the recent economical problems, Gilley has already brought 1,500 jobs to the area and will bring another 6,000 jobs over the next five years and he will bring millions of dollars in revenue to a part of Alabama that could really use it.

                Along with the Bingo Pavilion, this family oriented entertainment community includes the George Jones Possum Holler Bed and Breakfast with 7 elegant rooms, Lorrie Morgan’s Hot Chicken Restaurant, John Anderson’s Cafeteria, Darryl Worley’s Worley Bird Saloon, and The Grascal’s Bluegrass Hollow RV Park.  Almost complete is the Amphitheatre for concerts by world renowned artists and soon to break ground Randy Owens family entertainment park featuring a water park and fun golf area.

Early afternoon on the last day of the Grand opening was the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Bingo Pavilion, Possum Holler Bed and Breakfast, the Bluegrass Hollow RV Park, and all three of the restaurants.  In attendance was Ronnie Gilley, Country Crossing officials, community leaders, legislators, and country music stars George Jones, Lorrie Morgan, John Anderson, Darryl Worley, and The Grascals.

For exciting electronic Bingo, great food, and world class concerts, County Crossing is the place to be.  Give Ronnie Gilley and his team 2 years and this will be the biggest country music mecca outside of Nashville.

[Show as slideshow]

[View with PicLens]

123►