Published: July 11, 2008 10:46 pm      

Hard work, plans a reality

KOA open for business with official ceremony

ARGILLITE — Decades of dreaming and planning came to fruition Friday afternoon as families set camp and children splashed in the swimming pool while area dignitaries helped with the official ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new Ashland/Huntington West KOA — Kampgrounds of America.

The work hasn’t been easy, according to Charles Dameron and his wife, Thelma, although they know they have found an almost ideal location for their destination. This part of Kentucky also seemed like a good place to be, he said.

“We liked it here. We tried to talk our children into moving here,” Charles said with a big smile as elected officials and economic development professionals peeked into the four rustic styled cabins at the site.

A well-traveled Navy veteran himself, Dameron said the campground business a short distance from Interstate 64 in the East Park Business Park is something he and his wife have wanted to do for the last 20 years. While they still have work to do, including plans to have additional camp sites open by next week, Dameron said their desire to get a sign on the nearby highway is one of their main goals at the moment.

"We are struggling with that right now,” he said, chuckling and shaking his head .

Ashland Alliance President Jim Purgerson praised the Damerons’ hard work to establish the Ashland/Huntington West KOA.

“With patience, perseverance and determination, KOA campground owners Charles and Thelma Dameron have made their lifelong dream of business ownership a reality,” Purgerson said, remembering the frozen dirt at their groundbreaking while the small crowd sought shade from the hot sun.

Carter County Judge-Executive Charles Wallace said the campground business can benefit the entire region, especially Boyd, Carter and Greenup counties.

“This place gives people a chance to visit and see what we have to offer,” Wallace said.

KOA field representative Bob Massey said the Ashland/Huntington West campground will be a strategic point in the route of many recreational travelers because it is roughly halfway between New York and Myrtle Beach.

Thelma Dameron said they now have 28 RV sites ready, along with the four cabins, a pavilion for gatherings, and one tent site. In addition to the pool, Dameron said they have recreation facilities including mini-golf, a playground and a store.

TIM PRESTON can be reached at tpreston@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2651.