Newly-constructed Vigan City Convention Center inauguratedMay 16, 2012

By Freddie G. Lazaro
VIGAN CITY, May 16 (PIA) -- A newly-constructed Vigan Convention Center with the
state-of-the-art design was formally opened in a simple ceremony.
According to Mayor Eva Marie Singson-Medina, the Vigan Convention Center is
envisioned to help boost the economy of the city from the income derived from its
operation.
The Vigan Convention Center is committed to provide an exemplary destination for
meetings, conventions, consumer shows, banquets, trade shows and entertainment
as we strive to offer the highest level of services for our customers and their
attendees. We are committed to provide professional management by operating the
facilities with the highest level of efficiency and integrity, she said.
The convention center, which is considered as the biggest convention center in
Ilocos Sur if not Region 1, has a total land area of 7,915 square meters (sq m) and a
building area of 3,103 sq m.
At least P100 million was spent by the Vigan City government for the completion of
the convention center. Majority of the budget came from the city government funds.
The other funds, in the amount of P3 million, is a grant to the city government from
the national governments performance challenge fund (PCF); P10 million from the
local government support fund (LGSF) an incentive of the city government as
recipient of the seal of good housekeeping; and the P1 million fund from the office
of Senator Alan Cayetano for the construction of centers drainage system.
The center has a grand hall that can accommodate 2,912 persons in theater seating
arrangement. The grand hall can also be divided into five smaller function halls.
With regards to its architectural structure, the Vigan Convention Center was
constructed with a design derived from the existing Vigan antique houses which
called, Neo Vigan Bahay na Bato in a modern setting.
Artworks and mural paintings showing the significant historical events and products
of Vigan will be used as decorations in the interior portions of the convention center.
Mayor Medina expressed elation over the presence of the overwhelming crowd that
witnessed the formal opening of the convention center.
Incumbent Ilocos Surs first district Congressman Ryan V. Singson and former
Congressman Ronald V. Singson jointly cut the ribbon that formally opened the

convention center as witnessed by thousands of local residents and visitors.

After the ribbon cutting ceremony, singer-actress Sarah Geronimo performed a free
concert at the convention centers grand hall to entertain the thousands of Vigan
residents and visitors who joined the event the event was one of the significant
highlights of the week-long 2012 Viva Vigan Binatbatan Festival of the Arts.
(ANL/FGL-PIA 1,

Tour a turn-of-the-century colorado town.

Nestled in the heart of Colorados Central Plains, Old Town Museum embodies Life
in the Past Lane! The 6-1/2 acre historic site includes 21 fully restored buildings
with authentic artifacts from the turn of the century. Just off I-70 near the
Colorado/Kansas border in Burlington, Old Town Museum celebrates agriculture,
history, and heritage.
More than just a Barn
Nestled in the heart of Colorado's Central Plains, Old Town Museum embodies "Life
In The Past Lane"! The 6 1/2 acre historic site includes 21 fully restored buildings
with authentic artifacts from the turn-of-the-century. Easily accessible from I-70 near
the Colorado / Kansas border, Old Town Museum celebrates local agriculture, history
and heritage. Special Interactive Exhibits offer children a unique opportunity to
learn first-hand about pioneer life on the Colorado prairie.

Visiting Old Town Museum

During your visit to this Burlington, Colorado attraction, you can experience pioneer
life on the Colorado prairie firsthand as you explore Old Towns Museum, historical
buildings and the Old Town General Store and Emporium. During the summer
months, hop on the Old Town Express to the famous Kit Carson County Carousel.
Museum
Start your visit to Old Town in the Museum. Within you will discover a delightful
collection of vehicles, tractors and wagons including an original chuck wagon and a
covered wagon. Additional holdings include an extensive barbed wire collection and
Native American artifacts.
Historical Buildings
After your time in the Museum, head onto the Old Towns Main Street where the
Colorado history museums 21 restored historical buildings open an engaging
window on the history of the Eastern Plains of Colorado. Historical Buildings at Old
Town Museum include: the Depot, Law Office, Bank and Land Office, Barber Shop,
Cream Station, General Store, Blacksmith Store, Barn, School House, Church, Doll
House, Manor House, Soda Fountain, Saddle Shop, Carpenter Shop, Barn, Sod
House, Burlington Blade, Jail, Saloon and Texaco Station. Relive the era of the soda
jerk in the drugstore where hand-dipped ice cream and other old fashioned favorites
can be purchased. Sit back and capture the Wild West in the Longhorn Saloon with
popcorn, peanuts and your favorite soft drink. Cancan dancers perform daily in
Longhorn Saloon. On the Main Street you never know which outlaws will be waiting
to duel it out with the local sheriff.
Kit Carson County Carousel
During the warm months of the year, hop on the Old Town Express to the famous Kit
Carson County Carousel. Nearly 400 wooden carousels were carved in America
between 1885 and the 1930s; however, fewer than 150 remain. Among the
remaining carousels from the era is the Kit Carson County Carousel, located on the
county fairgrounds in Burlington. Manufactured by the Philadelphia Toboggan
Company between 1904 and 1933, the Kit Carson County Carousel is a three-row,
stationary machine housed in a 12-sided frame building. Climb aboard the antique
carousel for a memorable ride.
Shopping in the Old Town General Store and Emporium
Be sure to stop by the Old Town General Store and Emporium for shopping.
Handcrafted collectibles, gifts, keepsakes and souvenirs exclusive to the Old Town
Museum and Colorado are available to purchase.