Coffee Talk focuses on promoting tourism in McCook, Red Willow County

From left, Shary Skiles, publisher of the McCook Gazette,  Red Willow County Visitor’s Committee Chairman Dan Stramel,  Red Willow County Tourism Director, Carol Schlege, Corky Krizek, and McCook Mayor Linda Taylor. 

Anna LaBay/McCook Gazette

McCOOK, Neb. — Grants are available to help launch new events and attractions that will attract visitors to McCook and Red Willow County, and a local organization is ready to help apply for the funding.

The July 2024 Coffee Talk at Sehnert’s Bakery brought together residents and officials to discuss the vital topic of tourism and to promote not only McCook but also the wider Red Willow County. The featured guest for the event was Carol Schlegel, the Red Willow County Tourism Director, who provided insights into the funding and initiatives supporting local tourism efforts.

Schlegel highlighted that tourism in Red Willow County is primarily funded through a special lodging tax, consisting of a 2% Visitors Improvement Fund and a 2% Visitors Promotion Fund.

Each of these funds is managed separately and must adhere to guidelines set forth by the state regarding expenditures. The primary focus of these funds is to support events that attract visitors to the area.

The tourism committee, appointed by the county commissioners, is crucial in overseeing these initiatives. This committee must include at least one, but up to two, representatives from the hotel and hospitality industry. Current members include Chairman Dan Stramel, Vice Chair Tyler Loop, Bill Lesko, Karri Unger, and Andrea Harms.

One of the most successful initiatives discussed was the Prairie Chicken Dance Tours, a model for attracting visitors. These tours, which began in 2012, have consistently drawn avid birdwatchers to McCook, allowing them to witness the unique mating rituals of the prairie chicken each year.

Schlegel also underscored the significance of the Kiplinger Event Center as a vital community asset. Located at the Red Willow County fairgrounds, the Kiplinger Arena is recognized as southwest Nebraska’s premier heated indoor facility.

It hosts a variety of rodeo, western, and equestrian events throughout the year, attracting over 30,000 participants and spectators annually.

In addition to venue support, the committee provides grants for promotion, marketing, and event improvements. However, Schlegel emphasized, “The funds are not to be used for regular operating costs; it’s meant to help get new events off the ground.”

For individuals or organizations with event ideas seeking funding, Schlegel encourages discussions with her to explore how the tourism committee can assist.

As the conversation concluded, attendees left equipped with new knowledge about tourism funding and encouraged to think creatively about events that can showcase McCook and Red Willow County to a broader audience.

For more information about the grant application process and to find out if your event would qualify, call 308-345-1203 or email carol@visitmccook.com.