Placing the American Flag at highest point during the 'Topping Out' Ceremony

Scene 2:  “Topping Out” Ceremony

Franklin, NC (August 8, 2008) – The “topping out” ceremony of the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts was held on July 27. This age-old ceremony happens somewhere between groundbreaking and ribbon cutting, when the last structural element is to be bolted into place on a new building. Neil Enloe, manager of Providence Builders explained “this ceremony is symbolic to the progress that has been made. The center is taking shape!”

Traditionally, after the last piece of steel is set, a Christmas tree is anchored to the highest point of the structure.  “We chose to use an American flag to commemorate this stage of construction and to show honor to our country”, stated Enloe.

A huge crane floated the beam to the building where it was gracefully accepted and placed.  Then the moment everyone was waiting for, three crew members raised a ten foot pole hosting the American flag onto the highest end of the structure.  The flag blew proudly in the slight wind, marking an important phase in the construction of the area’s largest performing arts center.

About The Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts

Features include 40,000 square feet, a 130 x 40 foot stage with a 60 foot opening (suited for large epic dramas), full fly system (five motorized and 25 counterweight line sets), large dressing rooms, and 1,500 seats (main floor, balcony, and box areas) offering maximum comfort and visibility from every seat in the house. The planned completion date is the summer of 2009 and venues will include passion plays, musical productions, professional drama troupes, choral festivals, recitals, concerts, and more.