BECKLEY, W.Va. — Officials with the famous Tamarack cultural center in Beckley are hopeful for the future after several obstacles the past couple of years.
‘The Best Of West Virginia’ stop along the turnpike on Interstate-64, south side, will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. six days a week beginning April 1 but remain closed on Tuesdays.
Tammy Coffman, Tamarack Executive Director told MetroNews the decision came down to an increase in business among the dozens of vendors inside. She said the increase in business started just a few weeks ago, around the start of March.
She is hopeful the facility can open to seven days a week at some point in the future
“I think people feel more comfortable now that they are forgetting vaccinated. I think more people are past that second vaccine so we can see more traffic and travelers. We are very hopeful,” she said.
The Raleigh County tourist destination was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, like many businesses. Coffman said she was forced to lay off around half of the staff inside, equaling around 50 positions.
“Back in April 2019, we had the road construction start. We certainly felt the impact there. Then COVID hit in 2020 so another significant impact,” she said.
In July 2018 the West Virginia Turnpike began a Highway Total Reconstruction Project in the Beckley area. This project will run thru October 2021. The work is right out front of the Tamarack this year. Coffman said it will all be worth it in the end, despite the pain it has caused.
“In the long run when it’s done it’s going to be lovely and to our advantage. We are excited the project is going on. We are patient right now as it’s being done,” she said.