Outdoor festivals, farmers markets and warm summer nights beckon Hoosiers to Wabash County.
In 2016, tourism dollars spent here generated $51 million in revenue, according to Christine Flohr, executive director of tourism at the Wabash County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau.
Flohr says that revenue was an $8 million increase from the previous year, proving that the annual events are drawing a crowd.
“Our annual Chili Cook Off draws anywhere from 8,000 to 10,000 people to the area. That does a lot for our tourism,” she said.
According to Flohr, 67 cents of every tourist dollar spent here stays in the county. And while some areas see a spike in tourists during the summer months, Flohr says visitors come to Wabash year-round, while the fall and winter months witness heavier foot traffic for out-of-towners.
Events like the Roann Covered Bridge Festival, the Kunkel Cruise-In, the Wabash Garden Festival and Dam to Dam Ride showcase the whole county and draw tourists in.
Tyler Karst, project coordinator for Wabash Marketplace Inc., says that events new and old are breathing life into Wabash and offering something fun for locals to enjoy too.
He mentioned First Fridays and area farmers markets as main characters in making summers in Wabash lively.
Flohr added that community members working together to not only support annual events but also local businesses strengthens the fabric of Wabash.
“The more communities gather together, the brighter the quality of place naturally is and becomes. Because often they are reminded of the importance of supporting one another,” she said.