By By Adam Prestridge
The Poarch Band of Creek Indians sure know how to throw a party.
Friday night, the Tribe held a VIP grand opening for its new additions to the Creek Entertainment Center, The Taste Buffet and a stage and dance floor. The food was great and the entertainment, provided by Compozitionz, was spectacular.
It's been a while since I've been in the new addition to the entertainment center and I had almost forgotten how truly amazing it is. To be honest, I almost forgot I was in Atmore with all the lights and bells being let off by the slot machines.
A lot of amazing things are taking place on the reservation and Atmore residents should buckle up because the growth is just beginning. Not only does the Tribe have plans to build an even larger gaming facility, a large hotel is on tap as well.
You say to yourself, 'I've been hearing that for years and nothing has happened yet.' Well hang on because the Poarch officials that are currently working on the project have a great plan in place and are nearing time to begin putting that plan to use.
During a conversation with Tribal Chairman Buford L. Rolin Friday night, he spoke highly of the great things that are already happening at the Creek Entertainment Center and elsewhere on the reservation. He also expressed his eagerness for the Tribe's master plan to come to fruition.
Whether you agree or do not agree with gaming, the talks of bigger and better things coming to Atmore, particularly right off Interstate 65 should excite you. If you don't agree, you simply don't have to pull the slots at the gaming facility, but it would be a shame if you don't partake of the great food now being served. And, although its an overused cliche, it's true, 'If you build it, they will come.' Rivercane is bound to take off like a rocket with investors eager to purchase land and build more restaurants, fast food establishments, retail shopping centers, hotels and more.
Growth is not always a bad thing. Plants must grow to continue to live and so does a city. Poarch officials and Atmore's Industrial Development Board members feed our city with knowledge that they feel will benefit Atmore as a whole. Some of the decisions by both parties may be questioned from time to time, but you can't always show all your cards.
Patience is a virtue.
Adam Prestridge is publisher of the Atmore Advance. He can be reached at 368-2123.