By David Rogers. BLOWING ROCK, N.C. — Throughout history in popular culture, religion and literature, trees have been used as symbolic icons representing knowledge and wisdom, balance and harmony, love, and even as connecting the earthly with the spiritual.
More than three dozen Blowing Rock residents, town officials and business owners felt all those things on July 9 when the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce dedicated a Flamethrower® Redbud tree in memory of the late Kent Tarbutton.
Several members of the Tarbutton extended family were in attendance on the front lawn of the Chamber building.
“This tree will stand as a testament to values and qualities that Kent not only possessed but shared generously with all those who he encountered. As it grows, so too will our memories and appreciation for Kent. Please note the heart shaped red leaves that symbolize Kent’s love for his community,” said Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce CEO Charles Hardin in opening the dedication ceremony.
Hardin went on to list several of Tarbutton’s Chamber-related activities and accomplishments, including:
- Contributing key Chetola staff members to the Chamber’s board of directors leadership team over the years.
- Supporting the Chamber’s Leadership Challenge initiative by encouraging Chetola employees to participate and paying for their tuition.
- Allowing the Chamber to host its biggest fundraiser, Symphony by the Lake, on the Chetola property.
- Serving as Vice President of the Village Foundation board of directors.
- Serving as a charter member of the Blowing Rock Tourism Development Authority board of directors.
“Kent never viewed other lodging businesses as competition,” Hardin recalled. “I will always remember his quote, ‘A high tide floats all boats.’ He stressed that we are not competing against our neighbors but collectively providing impeccable quality and service to our customers. We are elevating the whole town, he would say, to compete with the other small mountain and vacation communities in the region.”
A rising tide lifts all boats.
With descriptive words like “generous,” “faithful,” and “loving,” several Blowing Rock business community mainstays also spoke during the dedication ceremony, recalling stories and memories of the man so beloved in the community. They included John Aldridge, founder of the Village Foundation of Blowing Rock; Tracy Brown, Executive Director of the Blowing Rock Tourism Development Authority; Chris Robbins, owner of Tweetsie Railroad; and Mayor of Blowing Rock, Charlie Sellers, who also owns The Blowing Rock attraction.
At the ceremony’s end, Hardin said, “Let us formally dedicate this tree, (pledging) to cherish its growth and nurture it as a living tribute to our friend, Kent Tarbutton. I know he is up there smiling down on us today!
“In closing,” Hardin added, “may this tree forever serve as a beacon of Kent’s impact on the Blowing Rock business community, inspiring all who encounter it to reflect on Kent’s enduring influence.”
