Geauga County Tourism’s Spring Drive-it-Yourself Tour continues to grow, and this year was exceptional as sunshine and balmy warm breezes welcomed participants to Geauga County. This annual tour celebrates National Tourism Week, and provides the perfect setting to explore Geauga County businesses. Approximately 400 participants crisscrossed the county visiting at least 10 out of the 25 participating locations, and aiding in the local economy. “Think county-wide, day-long cash mob,” said Lynda Nemeth, Geauga County Tourism Director. “It was wonderful to see this year’s crowd, and people really seemed to be embracing the day by exploring businesses new to them and making purchases.”
At the finale, participants enjoyed free snacks, vendors, musical entertainment by The Northern Comfort Band, and auction items donated by the stops on the tour. Those who made it to a minimum of 10 locations were entered into the Grand Prize Drawings for baskets full of donations from Geauga County Tourism members. The first place basket valued over $550 went to Myrna McDougal of Cuyahoga Falls, second place valued over $375 went to Sandy Pavick of Newbury, and third place valued over $300 was awarded to Joe Castrataro of Kirtland.
This event just gets better every year,” says Nemeth. “This year we saw participants from Pennsylvania and nine counties in Ohio. The best part is the excitement of the participants as they discover new locations. It all goes into stimulating the economy of our county and keeping our small businesses thriving.”
The “story within the story” goes to Lori and Brittany Gorrell who visited all 25 stops in the allotted time frame. “Brittany was looking at it as the Amazing Race,” said Lori Gorrell, referencing the popular TV show. The ladies mapped and drove the route prior to Saturday enabling them to plot their strategy for the day. They took a time stamp photo at each location and even some video of their travels. Watch the Geauga County Tourism Facebook page as they share their adventure.
Thank you to this year’s event sponsors, Geauga County Farm Bureau and Western Reserve Farm Cooperative! Also to all the Geauga County Tourism Members who donate toward the fabulous prize baskets! For more Geauga County fun go to www.TourGeauga.com or request a free Geauga County Guide by calling 1-800-775-TOUR.
