Visitors, Fun and Cash Flow Free on Tour!
“Please continue to do this every year!” was a comment heard many times Saturday, May 3, as over 500 exuberant participants, from 8 counties traversed the roads of Geauga County on the 2014 12th Annual Spring Drive-it-Yourself Tour.
With 25 possible locations to tour, participants had many options from which to choose. “The Tour is done annually at the start of National Tourism Week as a way to showcase businesses in Geauga County and get people out to explore locations they may not be familiar with,” said Lynda Nemeth, Geauga County Tourism director. “When we go on vacation, we do a lot of research into what’s available to see and do, yet in our own community there are businesses we drive past on a regular basis and have never been in. This day is all about giving people a reason to stop in!”
People toured on their own, with a friend, as a family, or part of a group. There were even two different car clubs that made the Tour part of their day. For the Birds, Wildlife & More in Chardon, began their day with 10 Model A Fords rolling in.
“By days end, I would say we had a couple hundred people through the store, most of whom had never been here before!’ said owner Helen Humpal. “Most were surprised at how much inventory we had for the birds and the bird/nature lover, including gift items.”
While stopping in is great, spending money and supporting the small independent businesses in the county is even better, and that is exactly what happened. “Dan and Sandy Stevenson used their stop at Habitat ReStore to its full advantage with a 25% off offer by purchasing a $900 lawn tractor,” said Nemeth. So people aren’t just out for small ‘cash and carry’ items.
Hershbergers’ Housewares was a first time Tour stop, and owner Margaret Hershberger says, “We were in awe of the people. We had over 300 stop in, and a lot of them had never been in our store before. We definitely made some new friends.”
While many stops offered retail, some offered an opportunity, like The Pond Ice Rink. The Chagrin Valley Figure Skating Club put on a show for Tour participants and then they received passes to come back to skate.
Others knew the way to woo participants was through their stomachs! First time stops Blazin Bills and Sirna’s Pizzeria knew it’s never too early for ribs and pizza as people flocked in for free samples. But it’s not just about the free samples. Blazin Bills owner Joyce Piteo had volunteered her help at the Finale, but had to leave early because the tour had generated so many evening reservations. “I’m sorry I have to leave,” said Piteo, smiling a huge smile. Not too bad of a reason to leave.
The Finale at Middlefield Market becomes a ‘chatty affair’ as many people that have crossed paths all day long compare notes on their travels. They can then enjoy free refreshments, visiting some vendors, a silent and Chinese auction, and music. This year “The Real Deal String Band” kept things lively and toes a’ tappin’ with a guitar, fiddle, and hammer dulcimer.
Once auction items were awarded, and sponsors Blazin Bills and Thunder Roads Ohio were thanked, it was time for grand prize baskets. To be eligible, you had to have visited at least 10 stops through the day and arrived back to get your map validated by 3:45. There were 347 validated maps in the drawing. All grand prize baskets consisted of goods and gift certificates donated by Geauga County Tourism members. 1st prize, a $660 value, was won by Rosanne Williamson of Middlefield; 2nd prize, a $400 value, was won by Carol Wolf of Concord; and 3rd prize, a $350 value, was won by Karen Fuller of Newbury.
Geauga County Tourism would like to thank sponsors Blazin Bills and Thunder Roads Ohio; Middlefield Market for the use of the facility; and all of their members for their participation and donation of gifts. You can see photos of the day by going to the Geauga County Facebook page.
For more Geauga County fun, go to our website or request a free Geauga County Guide by calling 440-632-1538. Be sure to download the FREE Geauga Tourism APP!
