Weldon Mayor Hugh Credle presented Vish Pathak and Harry Sing with a key to the town Friday as the CEO and CFO of Carolina Star Hotels held a ribbon-cutting to usher in the Fairfield by Marriott.

“Choosing Weldon as the place to be you trust that our town is worthy of your establishment,” the mayor said in his welcoming remarks.

Credle said the hotel is a 97-room facility and is capable of having 29 fulltime employees. “I don’t know about you but I have a smile on my face because of that … I see growth for our town and I thank you for that.”

The mayor said he remembers when the now-demolished Interstate Inn stood on the site and then the groundbreaking for Fairfield, which he said, “transformed the landscape into a beautiful sight … I hope a lot of future investors will want to come here as well.”

Chenoa Davis, vice chair of the Halifax County Board of Commissioners, told the audience, “Today marks not only the opening of a hotel, but it represents growth, opportunity, and renewed investment in our community and our county. We’re proud to stand alongside Carolina Star and the Fairfield inn team as they bring new energy and jobs and new visitors to our area.”

The project, she said, “Is a great example of what happens when vision meets commitment.”

Pathak, the CEO, told the audience, “It has been a great honor to see you all who have come to bless us on this venture that has taken almost 18 months to complete.”

He said it was a hotel that was built on a dream. “It was our dream project. Dreams don’t come true unless you work hard, put in your best, and shake up your bank account.”

The hard work during the 18 months was put in by each and every person associated with the project, Pathak said — from architect and design to the construction crew.

Pathak credited the work of Halifax County Economic Development Director Cathy Scott and tourism director Lori Medlin. “Without them I don’t think we would be able to move an inch.”

State Representative Rodney Pierce said, “I’m just elated to be here and see this growth in our area.”

Pierce recalled that the former Interstate Inn was a place where college students would congregate to have fun. “When it got torn down the nostalgia goes with it but when I heard they were building another hotel here I thought what it would be like. To be here today and see this Fairfield by Marriott, this Carolina Star hotel, it’s just a great feeling.”

Pierce said the project is a sign of progress, advancement, and opportunity. “It brings jobs, boosts our local economy, and helps to position our region as a destination for business and leisure. It also reflects the kind of growth we’ve been fighting for in northeastern North Carolina.”

Scott Aman of New Dixie Oil Company and Halifax County Business Horizons said, “We’ve have had so many commitments from so many different investors.”

In 2017, Aman said, this quadrant of Interstate 95 became dilapidated. “Being a business owner and a stakeholder in this community, I thought it was important to become involved and make a difference.”

He began working with the family who owned the property and acquired it in early 2018. “With further development all structures were demolished and the site was cleared by early 2019.”

Aman teamed up with the town, economic development, and tourism. “This is truly a perfect example of what we say in Halifax County often and that is WTW — working together works.”

Carolina Star made a commitment in 2021 to buy lots 1A and 1B, Aman said. “We are on lot 1A and this facility is absolutely amazing.”

Fairfield will be the first of two hotels on the land, he said, explaining that lot 1B will be the next.

“There are great things happening in the town of Weldon and Halifax County,” Aman said. “And there’s more to come.”

The parcel in front of the Fairfield is where LongHorn Steakhouse is under construction. “We have a lot of continued interest in lot number four and … that will come together as well,” Aman said. “All of this … will really change how this side of this interchange has looked for many years and it is absolutely incredible.”

Medlin said, “This beautiful property marks an exciting new chapter in the growth of our destinations.”

She told the officers of Carolina Star, “I want to thank you for believing in Halifax County and making an extraordinary $20 million investment in our tourism future. Your vision and commitment will create jobs, strengthen our economy, and inspire visitors for years to come.”

Last year, Medlin said, visitors spent a record-breaking $134 million in the county. “They brought in an average of $368,000 every single day. We’re going to make sure you get your fair share of that.”