Don’t you love it when a plan comes together?

The plan usually starts with people coming together, first.  Our friends from Virginia Tourism (VTC) run the Interstate Welcome Centers.  The giant signs that greet folks as they enter the one at mile marker 132 – didn’t look so welcoming.  Kris Brooks who, who manages the Center, contacted The George Washington Foundation (Kenmore and Ferry Farm Folks), who formerly assisted with the project to help.  Lori Pikkaart, connected with a history colleagues and marketing folks – including the Fredericksburg Museums Council and the City’s Tourism Team.

The result was Danelle Rose (City Economic Development and Tourism) and Lori met, and enlisted the incredible graphic design eye of Pete from Print Jazz.  Contributed images and content ideas were received from all the local museums, and voila – EIGHT new welcoming and engaging signs were created and have been installed.

Kris Brooks said Monday, “felt like Christmas,” when FastSigns completed the project.  Before and after photos show the improvement.  The signs were funded via the joint participation of Fredericksburg’s Museums Council and the City.  One of the fundraising projects of the Museum Pass is selling the XPass – which allows visitors (and residents – hint hint) to enjoy visiting multiple museums at a discounted entry fee.

A GIANT thanks to Kris/VTC for allowing and encouraging this marketing opportunity.  It is a great way to encourage all to share the history of Fredericksburg and encourage thousands of travelers to jump off the interstate and to immerse themselves in our historic and welcoming city.