SHELBY, N.C., Jan. 12 (UPI) -- Nearly 60 string musicians introduced Gov. Pat McCrory at the dedication of the Earl Scruggs Center in Shelby, N.C., organizers said.
Although rain forced part of the celebration inside Saturday, several hundred music fans attended the dedication for the $6.5 million center that honors Scruggs, the Charlotte (N.C.) Observer reported..
"This is going to help our economy. It's the Grand Ole Opry right here in Shelby, N.C.," McCrory said.
Scruggs, who was born in 1924, worked in a textile mill before joining Bill Monroe's band and performing on the Grand Ole Opry.
He died in 2012.
The new high-tech center, which focuses on Scruggs and the area's history, is in the historic Cleveland County courthouse.
Scruggs' sons, Gary and Randy, country singer Travis Tritt and U.S. Rep. Patrick McHenry also attended the dedication.
Gary Scruggs said his parents were supportive of the center since the planning began in 2006, the Observer reported.
"I'm sure they'd be happy with the results," he said.
