Finney County Convention and Tourism Bureau

"PAINT THE TOWN RED" Festival & Events Conference a Big Success!

Despite icy roads and several inches of snow, over 130 people attended the "Paint the Town Red" Festival and Events Conference held in Salina's BiCentennial Center on Wednesday, February 9. The day long conference was organized by several state and city organizations including the Finney County Convention & Tourism Bureau. WenDee LaPlant, Special Events Director, assisted with the organization of the conference, participated in the opening program skit, presented a session on festival logistics and served as a monitor for the day's last session. Alan Fankhauser, Beef Empire Days Director, also served as a panelist for the festival logistics session. Scheopner's Water Conditioning provided water for the event and printed special labels with the conference logo.

Keynote speaker was former State Travel & Tourism Director, Claudia Larkin and the day's session ended with a rousing talk by Kansas Sampler Foundation director, Marci Penner. Richard Renner, from Vodvill Entertainment Company in Lawrence provided lots of fun with his stilt walking and slapstick comedy throughout the day and was assisted by his robot companion and balloon artist comedian. "Strolling Strings" a talented stringed instrument group from Salina Central High School performed during lunch.

Evaluations filled out by attendees have been overwhelming and very positive. Plans are being made to host the event again in 2007.

KANSAS SAMPLER FESTIVAL PRESENTATION READY FOR YOUR GROUPS NEXT MEETING:

Looking for a program for your club or organizations next meeting? The CTB now has a power point presentation and short video ready to present to the public about the Kansas Sampler Festival hosted by Garden City in 2006 and 2007. The program was recently given at the Finney County Historical Museum's annual Brown Bag Lunch series on February 15. Please call WenDee or Callie at 276-3264 to request this presentation for your club or organization.

SEND US YOUR EVENT INFORMATION!

Know of any events or activities that are tourism related? Let us know by calling, E-mailing or faxing the information to the Chamber office. We will list the event in the Current Events guide which is e-mailed to nearly 100 recipients including area media contacts, placed in our front office brochure rack for walk-ins, put in relocation and visitor packs and in the Chamber newsletter. The information is also posted on three websites and a "What's Happening" ad with current events is printed in the Wednesday edition of the Garden City Telegram each week. Please send your information to WenDee or Callie at the Chamber, 276-3264 phone; 276-3290 fax or wlaplant@gcnet.com