"Historic-preservationists from across the state will be in Mount Airy in the end of September when the city hosts the annual conference of Preservation North Carolina.

Local residents involved in the safeguarding and restoration of older structures say the conference represents a tourism milestone for Mount Airy, while also offering a chance for the area to showcase its historic charm.

“For us to be selected to hold this conference is nothing short of a miracle,” said Carol Burke, a member of a host committee for the gathering.

That enthusiasm was echoed Wednesday by Betty Wright, who heads the Mount Airy Restoration Foundation and also is a member of the city government-appointed Historic Preservation Commission.

“It really is a big honor for the city,” Wright said of the selection that resulted from persistent lobbying by a number of local residents. “We’re just so excited I can’t hardly talk about it.”

The main portion of the two-day conference is scheduled for Sept. 29-30, with an additional day set aside for participants to experience a wide array of local historic attractions."

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The Mount Airy News (8/24/2011)