Ed Crouch wasn't sure he'd ever see the day the Bear Creek Education Center reopened its doors.
That day came last month, and Crouch was emotional as he described the impact Overton Farms, the Education Center and the new restaurant housed therein will have on his community.
“I was Chairman of the Bear Creek Development Authority for 12 years and I fought five years to keep this facility open,” Crouch said. “I was always told it was losing money. But I said money was never the purpose of the Bear Creek Education Center. It's always been about educating kids. This means a lot to see all these people come together and help get this facility open. It's been an amazing response from so many people,” Crouch added.
Crouch was among a crowd of 100 who enjoyed a barbecue lunch at the center Tuesday. The meal was catered by Brent and Lorie Collum, owners of Fourth Street Grill in Red Bay. The couple will open the Farm Table at Overton Restaurant this weekend, with plans to open at 3 p.m., each Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
But the reopening of the Bear Creek Education Center was about more than just a delicious meal. It was the culmination of a multi-year process that saw public feuding between BCDA officials and Rep. Johnny Mack Morrow, who first requested Overton Farm be transferred to the Town of Hodges in 2014. After extensive negotiations, that transfer came in the form of a lease signed this February.
“During World War II, Hodges, a town of 300 people, raised more than $48,000 to support the war effort,” Morrow said. “Due to that tremendous support, a P-51 Mustang was named after the town and called the 'Spirit of Hodges.'
“When the equestrian trail project was first discussed in Hodges, we saw that same spirit and we're seeing it today,” Morrow added.
“Mayor Crouch has made a difference in his 28 years of service to Hodges. What he's done is an incredible story considering the small resources available to the community,” Morrow said.
Although public use of Overton Farm and rental of the Bear Creek Education Center for overnight guests won't begin until the fall, Hodges Police Chief Mike Franklin said volunteers worked feverishly on the kitchen facility inside the education center to allow the restaurant to open and serve the dozens of campers flocking to Hodges each weekend.
Morrow thanked many groups and individuals for their contributions so far in the Overton Farm/Bear Creek Education Center renovation, from the Back Country Horsemen of Alabama to the local landowners who donated easements to allow the opening of Rock Bridge Canyon Equestrian Trail.
The day's special guest was Dr. Frank Gravlee, founder of Life Data Labs, Inc., in Cherokee. Gravlee's creation of an equine formula in 1983 transformed the health of the equine industry and gained his Cherokee company international prominence.
Gravlee received a copy of a resolution from the Alabama Legislature honoring his service and his recognition as recipient of the Governor's Ttrade Excellence Award earlier this year.
In addition to continued renovation of the overnight lodging facility, Franklin said there will be outdoor campsites also available at Overton Farm, with food service provided by the Farm Table at Overton.
“There's a big need for primitive camping facilities and with the addition of those, we're looking at being able to house large groups of 200-300. It's still a work in progress. We'll have a grand opening later but we're very thankful for today,” Franklin said.
