WILSON -- Whirligigs have gone from rusty works of art at a local man's home to the festival, and now they're getting their own park.

The 2017 Whirligig Festival is just over a week away.

This year's festival is even more special, since the "Whirligig Park" is officially opening the same week.

It's taken years to restore artist Vollis Simpson's "whirligigs."

And Park Executive Director Jeff Bell says he's excited and proud to return them to their former glory.

"The Whirligig Festival is, I believe, in its 13th year, so it's been going on longer than the park. The park has been in process for about seven years. And as I said, we officially open, this year," said Jeff Bell, Whirligig Park and museum executive director.

Bell says they've added a few more whirligigs to Simpson's collection.

The park officially opens on Thursday, Nov. 2.