CVB invites you to be 'visitor in your own community'

by Kelli Cheatham (kcheatham@wsbt.com)

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South Bend attractions

South Bend's Potawatomi Zoo, the oldest in the state, is one of many local attractions the St. Joseph County Convention and Visitors Bureau highlighted during the "Discover Great Michiana Traditions" Expo on Monday, May 11, 2009 on the gridiron at the College Football Hall of Fame. (WSBT photo)

By WSBT News1

Story Created: May 11, 2009 at 4:25 PM EST

Story Updated: May 14, 2009 at 11:19 PM EST

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY — Tourists spent millions of dollars in St. Joseph County last year. Now, the Convention and Visitors Bureau is taking a new approach let people know what's in their own back yard. The first ever "Discover Great Michiana Traditions" Expo took place Monday on the gridiron at the College Football Hall of Fame.

The point — to showcase area attractions, restaurants, recreation and special events — something organizers say they can't do too much.

If you ever find yourself saying "there's nothing to do here," you might want to check with the St. Joseph County Convention & Visitors Bureau, or CVB.

They'll tell you about the South Bend Silver Hawks, camping at the KOA in Granger and festivals like Ecofest in Howard Park next month, or the Enshrinement in July.

Representatives from Michiana Raceway Park in North Liberty set up a booth at Monday's expo, hoping to remind people their go-cart racing company has been around for years.

"We have group outings, bachelor parties, birthday parties, a lot of corporate events," said Brent Ebert.

But some of the people who stopped by his booth surprised Ebert.

"People that have lived here all their lives had no idea we were in the area," he said.

That's part of the reason the CVB wants to remind everyone there's so much to do in our own back yard.

"Be a visitor in your own community," said CVB Executive Director Lynn Kachmarik. "There are so many great things going on here, so many great attractions so you don't have to put a lot of gas money in your car and drive someplace."

For example, did you know South Bend has more than 35 public parks — aside from its golf courses?

Did you know the Potawatomi Zoo is the oldest in the state?

"There are so many things locally that people should take advantage of, especially in this economy," said South Bend Parks and Recreation Director of Development Rich Payton.

Kachmarik said more than 8,000 jobs in St. Joseph County alone are related to tourism. Last year tourists spent more than $330 million here — something she says saves everyone money.

"They would have increased tax dollars if it wasn't for tourism. So there's a direct impact on everybody in our community," Kachmarik told WSBT.

The Tourism Expo went from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday. It's all part of National Travel and Tourism Week.

The CVB said it does not keep track of how many families are taking "staycations" rather than going away for summer vacations, but last year local families spent $42 million on local attractions and events.

Some local travel agencies told WSBT some vacationers who used to go out of the country are staying in the states this year. A lot of it depends who you are, where you're going and how much money you're willing to spend on travel.

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