[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 152 (Tuesday, October 9, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2092-E2093]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          COMMEMORATING THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF GRAPEVINE OPRY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. KENNY MARCHANT

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 9, 2007

  Mr. MARCHANT. Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize Grapevine Opry 
in Grapevine, Texas on the occasion of its 20th Anniversary of 
continuous family entertainment.
  Originally built as Grapevine's Palace Theatre in November 21, 1940, 
this historic building was reopened in 1974 by a Grapevine dance 
instructor, Chisai Childs, for dance recitals. Its use evolved into a 
musical revue stage show and was dubbed ``Grapevine Opry''.
  After many failed business partnerships, Grapevine Opry doors closed 
in 1984 and its fate seemed doomed forever. However, one year later, a 
new owner began renovation of the theater only to see the stage, roof 
and building partially destroyed by fire due to contractor negligence. 
But renovations began anew and on November 14, 1987, Grapevine Opry 
reopened with Mr. Rocky Gribble as the new producer and bandleader. In 
1990, ownership sold the property to a local attorney's company, 
Grapevine Opry, Inc.
  Bad times almost fell again on the Opry when in 1991, the Grapevine 
Opry, Inc. filed

[[Page E2093]]

for bankruptcy. The show was in danger of closing and the future of the 
theater was in doubt, even to the point of demolition. However, the 
City Council of Grapevine, along with the overwhelming support of the 
Grapevine Opry Association members, voted to acquire the property if 
the anchor tenant, the Grapevine Opry, would continue to operate in the 
theater. A long-term agreement was forged with the city and Yellow Rose 
Productions, Inc. to operate the Grapevine Opry and the Grapevine 
Heritage Foundation was formed to manage the property. Due to the 
foresight of Yellow Rose Productions, Inc., Grapevine civic leaders and 
residents, the future of the Palace Theatre was preserved.
  In 1999, the Grapevine Opry underwent its most recent renovation and 
celebrated a grand reopening/homecoming show on June 2, 2001. The show 
continues to be a mainstay of family entertainment not only in North 
Texas but across the region and beyond. Many music industry performers 
attribute their success to experience gained on this landmark stage. 
Some of the best up-and-coming performers in country music can be found 
performing each weekend at Grapevine Opry.
  Madam Speaker, I am honored to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of 
Grapevine Opry's on November 10, 2007. This beautiful and historic 
building, whose preservation is secure, is an important local landmark 
in Grapevine, Texas and surrounding areas. I sincerely wish the 
Grapevine Opry many more successful years of continuous family 
entertainment.

                          ____________________