Northeast Iowa — Over 30 volunteers from Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area (SSNHA) traveled to Des Moines Aug. 9-19 to participate in the Silos & Smokestacks booth at the Iowa State Fair. As one of more than 20 exhibitors in the Iowa Tourism Hall, the SSNHA booth was staffed by representatives from SSNHA partner sites, Board of Trustees, Waterloo Convention and Visitors Bureau, Heritage Area supporters and staff. All volunteers had the opportunity to meet one-on-one with potential travelers and distribute information about the Heritage Area and its partner sites.
Playing off of the theme “Adventures in Agriculture,” the SSNHA booth featured a three-foot John Deere toy wagon, donated by John Deere — Waterloo Operations. The wagon was filled with prizes ranging from hazelnut gourmet coffee to a signed Boyd’s teddy bear; all of the prizes were graciously donated by SSNHA partner sites. In addition, fairgoers could play an
interactive game that highlighted all 95 SSNHA partner sites, for the chance to win a water bottle or color-on magnet. A large scale partner map of Northeast Iowa was also displayed to give visitors an easy way to understand what the Heritage Area consists of.
“The state fair is a great way to inform travelers about the Heritage Area and its many sites and attractions. It is a unique opportunity for our organization to reach a large audience while supporting Iowa tourism,” commented Don Short, Executive Director of SSNHA.
Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area is one of 37 federally designated heritage areas in the nation and is an Affiliated Area of the National Park Service. Through the development of a network of sites, programs, and events, Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area’s mission is to interpret farm life, agribusiness, and rural communities – past and present. To learn more about Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area, please visit www.silosandsmokestacks.org.
Topics: Press Releases
