Hollonville Opry House searches for new venue

The Hollonville Opry House unexpectedly closed its doors but is looking for a new location to continue a nearly 30-year tradition of live, local music in a family-friendly atmosphere. After 27 years of live music in the Pike County countryside, the Hollonville Opry House lost its lease and is now closed. Their last show was on Jan. 26 but organizers hope to move to a new location and provide music to the community once again. ’We are hoping to relocate as soon as possible in another location. We appreciate any and all support in helping us find a new place. We are also asking for and would appreciate your prayers,’ said Hollonville Opry House president Harold Kirkland. ‘Thanks so much to everyone who has supported the Hollonville Opry House down through the years.’A gofundme.com account has been set up and raised around $1,000 in just the first day. To donate, go to gofundme.com and search for Holloville Opry House. Kirkland noted they are hoping for a venue that is in a safe and family-friendly environment. He said the new location would need to be 4,000 to 5,000 square feet in order to have space for an auditorium which could seat 200 people or more, space for a stage, bathrooms and a snack bar. He said the group would be willing to remodel the space in order to provide what the venue needs. ’We hope to have fundraisers and both the financial help and help from those who might be able to help with the moving and remodeling,’ said Harold. Those interested in helping the group find a new home can email haroldkirkland@att.net or call 770-228-4832. For more, visit the website at hollonvilleopry.com or find the Hollonville Opry House facebook page. ’I can tell you that I personally know the board of the Opry House and they desire to go out on a positive note. I don’t believe they would take part in boycotts against any of the parties involved. I was there on packing and moving day and I can tell you they were kindly concerned with leaving the building in the best shape for the new owner, even winterizing it in anticipation of this cold weather,’ said Annette Maniaci Stiles. ‘The venue, while many improvements have been made over the years, and many memories were made over the years, was just that: a building. The spirit of Hollonville Opry House is alive and well, and looking for a new ‘˜body’ to inhabit. There is a positive attitude among all involved. We will continue, somewhere. The spirit of the Hollonville Opry House is in us, the people, and we’re all still here.’