Linda Payne

lpayne@newstopic.net

Members of the Caldwell County community will roll out the red carpet and offer VIP treatment to a couple of residents who have hit the big time.

To celebrate the world premiere of the first episodes of “Southern Fresh with Tim and Jan,” the J.E. Broyhill Civic Center will be transformed into a Hollywood gala on Saturday, Dec. 5. Included with a reception and after party, those in attendance will experience Hollywood from their own backyards.

“We are going all out for this party,” said Elaine Lockhart, vice president of adult, corporate and continuing education at Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute. “It is not every day that a premier like this comes to Lenoir, and we want to celebrate right. We are looking forward to a great night and hope that many people will turn out for the show.”

Lockhart said the evening will kick off with a reception at 6 p.m. and will follow with the world premiere of the show. She said heavy hors d’oeuvres will be served by students from the institution’s culinary department, including many original recipes from Tim Haas and Jan Kirby, stars of the show.

The before party also will be a time for people to mingle with the stars about their experiences with the show, as well as producers from Hollywood. Haas and Kirby also will have an assortment of books for sale at a rwduced price, and people can request they sign them.

Later in the evening, attendees will take a seat inside the auditorium and watch an episode of the program, which is set to air this spring on RFD-TV, Rural America’s Most Important Network.

“I think it is going to be a spectacular evening, and we look forward to meeting everyone,” said Haas. “Taping this show in our home community has been an absolute delight, and we want to share it with those around us.”

Lockhart said the community really has come together to make this event possible. She said it not only will be an evening of celebration, it also will go to benefit the community.

Those in attendance are asked to bring a canned good that night, which will be delivered later in the month to area food ministries. There also will be a petition to bring RFD-TV to Charter Communications for people to sign. Lockhart said tickets are $15 per person, and all proceeds will benefit culinary students at CCC&TI.

“We are extremely proud of the students at CCC&TI and want to thank them for all their hard work during the taping of the show,” Kirby said. “We thought this event would be a great way for us to give back to the community so these students can have the resources they need to be successful.”

In addition to all the planned activities, Haas said he and Kirby will be debuting their brand new vehicles, which were furnished by Rooster Bush Chevrolet. Kirby and Haas each were presented with a brand new Chevy Tahoe, which has been decorated with graphics from the show and Rooster Bush by Assurance Signs in Sawmills.

“I have known Tim and Jan for many years, and when they came to me with the idea, I couldn’t say no,” said Barbara Bush, dealer at Rooster Bush. “We want to show our appreciation to local people who are doing well, and we think this is a plus-plus situation for all involved.”

For more information or to purchase tickets, contact the Civic Center’s box office at 726-2407 or visit www.broyhillcenter.com.