CROUSE PARK STAGE—D.W. Miles (center in flag shirt) addresses the crowd during the dedication of the Crouse Park Stage. Miles was instrumental in organizing the construction of the stage. Photo by Drew Stewart

Stage is dedicated to 'Pickers'

On July 3 at 7:30 p.m., Sparta Mayor John H. Miller dedicated the new Crouse Park stage to the Crouse House Pickers and thanked D.W. Miles, whom Miller said was instrumental in the construction of the stage.

The mayor noted that the stage project was put in motion to encourage concerts and local music at the park. "Music has been a part of the community for many years," Miller said during his dedication opening remarks.

The stage was constructed completely by volunteers from donated materials, most of which Miles organized.

"We thank him for all the work he has done," Miller said. "D.W. had a great deal to do with getting the thing built. He was the main pusher behind it. He lined up most of the work, got the stuff donated for us, and that type of stuff."

Miller noted that he is proud of all the volunteer work Alleghany County residents have undertaken as part of the county's sesquicentennial (150th anniversary).

"I just want to thank everybody for all the work they have done to construct the stage," Miller said. "If you think of all the work that is being done for the sesquicentennial, it is all because it has all be volunteers. It is a great thing for our community to have people working together."

Miles was the guest of honor and was festively dressed the night before Independence Day in a "stars and stripes" shirt. "This stage would not be a reality without D.W. Miles," Miller commented in his speech, noting that Miles is a community leader. "As far as businesses he has in town and what all he does to promote the town…."

There will be many more events at the Crouse Park stage for the Sesquicentennial Celebration this year, Miller said. "We are very gratified for the cooperation of the community to make the Crouse Park a place everyone can enjoy," Miller noted.