27 AprState Tourism Office Selects Spotsylvania County

The Virginia Tourism Corporation has chosen Spotsylvania County as one of 16 sites across the state to build and promote a giant LOVEwork. The LOVEwork structures are the focal point of a social media campaign to share the message that love is at the heart of every Virginia vacation. Spotsylvania County will join with 20 other existing LOVEwork sculptures found across the state featured on www.virginia.org/LOVE as part of the Virginia is for Lovers tourism marketing campaign.

Spotsylvania County resident Hunter C. Perkinson Jr., owner of Featherstone Forge was chosen to construct the 17 foot by 6 foot metal LOVEwork. Perkinson also designed and produces the Governor Spotswood Award given annually in March.

Visitors will be encouraged to take a picture with the LOVEwork and share on social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Photos taken by people from throughout the world can be seen on at www.Facebook.com/VirginiaisforLovers and on Twitter by searching #LOVEVA.

“Virginia is for Lovers is about love – pure and simple, and has been for more than 40 years,” said Rita McClenny, president and CEO of the Virginia Tourism Corporation. “This program uses the power of social media to promote Virginia as an ideal destination for families looking to completely connect on a Virginia vacation.”

The Spotsylvania County LOVEwork will receive $1,200 in reimbursement funding from the state tourism office. The LOVEwork will be unveiled on May 3rd at the kick-off of the 150th Anniversary of the Battle of Chancellorsville. The structure is portable and will be placed at different locations in the county throughout the year.

“We are proud to be one of the first in our area to be chosen to have a LOVEwork structure,” said Debbie Aylor, Spotsylvania County Tourism Manager. “We know that tourists and residents alike will “love” to have their picture taken with the LOVEwork and share it on social media,” she added.

Visitors will be encouraged to visit the Spotsylvania County artwork, take a picture and post to www.Facebook.com/VirginiaisforLovers or on Twitter and use the hashtag #LOVEVA. A complete list of LOVE artwork locations across the state can be found at www.Virginia.org/LOVE.

Tourism is an instant revenue generator for Virginia. In 2011 tourism generated $20.4 billion in revenue, supported over 207,000 jobs and provided $1.32 billion in state and local taxes. With tourism as a significant driver of the local economy, Spotsylvania County estimates that more than 660,000 visitors stayed overnight, while more than 1.3 million visits were recorded at the County’s tourism sites and attractions in the year 2012.

Love is at the heart of every Virginia vacation. Visit www.Virginia.org to learn more or call 1-800-VISITVA to request a free, Virginia is for Lovers travel guide.

(Note to media: Images of the Virginia is for Lovers LOVEworks are available for publication at www.vatravelstories.com, the official pressroom of the Virginia Tourism Corporation.)

For County information: www.spotsylvania.va.us Contact : Kathy Smith, Public Information Officer ksmith@spotsylvania.va.us Phone : 540-507-7005 or 540-455-8988