Activities planned to promote city tourist sites

Area residents looking for a place to spend time this summer may only have to look within their own zip code.

“I believe … it’s so easy to overlook the attractions you have in your own town,” said Hannah Walters, director of the Mitchell Convention and Visitors Bureau. “There are a lot of fun things to do in Mitchell and you can spend a weekend being a tourist in your own town.”

Area officials are hoping to spread that message this weekend, May 16-17, when admission fees will be waived at the Dakota Discovery Museum and the Prehistoric Indian Village. The event is part of See South Dakota Week, which is under way and lasts through Saturday.

It’s also free fishing weekend in South Dakota.

In Mitchell, the week features a number of activities designed to bring about awareness of local businesses and attractions. The goal, Walters said, is to encourage area residents to consider Mitchell when planning their summer vacations. Residents could also show off their town’s attractions to others.

“(We want to) encourage our own community members to get out and see what we have to offer,” Walters said. “That way, when they have family members or visitors themselves, they can also share with them the great things we have to offer.”

On Main Street, businesses will feature painted windows with themes of “It’s A-Maize-Ing” or “Experience Outdoor Adventures,” among others.

Today, public officials and community leaders will volunteer at tourist attractions throughout the community.

“I truly believe our community members are the best salespeople we have,” Walters said. “If they believe in what we have, we can reach a lot of great people.”

The MCVB will join with the Chamber of Commerce Division of Tourism and the Corn Palace to host a “Business During Hours” event at 1 p.m. at the Palace Park Mall Courtyard across from the Corn Palace.

The event will kick off with the unveiling of a new statue of Cornelius, the Mitchell High School mascot and representative of the Corn Palace.

Tags: mitchell convention and visitors bureau, news, tourism, mitchell, cornelius