06/01/2026
Many thanks to everyone who came to celebrate America's 250th with Patriots Theater and Studio3!
The entire event was organized by Allison and Chuck Houchins, who together with many volunteers, made Alexander County proud.
“America’s 250 at The Rock” set Friday at Rocky Face Park --
In celebration of the 250th anniversary of America, an incredibly special event will be held on Friday, May 29, 2026, at 7:00 pm, at Rocky Face Park in Hiddenite. Partners Patriots Theater and Studio 3 will bring this performance to life with music and theatrical performances in an open-air setting where actual events portrayed took place.
Patriots Theater began in 2001 in response to the tragedy of 9-11, with founders Chuck and Allison Houchins and Rick and Kathy Dixon. This program played in schools, civic gatherings, historical sites and eventually in an outdoor drama setting at the Dixons’ 125-year-old grist mill turned dwelling in Wilkes County. After several years of operation there, a significant flood event washed the facility away in 2009. Since then, Patriots Theatre continued to operate wherever doors open to highlight the founding of America.
Studio 3 began in 2016 as the lifelong dream of founder Kathy Estes, to facilitate classical musical training for children. The timeline has resulted in the development of various stringed instruction, a youth orchestra, and youth and community chorus. The Studio 3 family is fully committed to sharing their talents with the public in this and other public concerts.
The personal and professional relationship between our families was a perfect fit as we looked for an avenue to bring a rich and inspiring experience to Alexander and surrounding counties in celebration of America’s 250!
The event’s content will play out with actual words from America’s founders, published musical score by Kathy Estes, Studio 3 Director, and theatrical script by Allison Houchins, Patriots Theater Director.
This event is free and open to the public. Seating availability is limited, but lawn and stadium chairs are welcome. Groups or 10 or more are encouraged to book ahead of time by calling the Hiddenite Arts & Heritage Center at 828-632-6966.
Shown here, left to right: Issabelle Perry will portray Revolutionary woman Hannah White Arnett, Paul Watts (Frederick Douglass), Chuck Houchins (Patrick Henry), Rick Dixon (Ben Franklin), Studio 3 musicians Angelique Carico and Zachary Jacko, and Maxine Penry (Orlean Puckett).
