Events are important to local economy

When someone thinks of tourism in the Mat-Su Valley, they think of buses pulling into Talkeetna, RV’ers stopping at Matanuska Glacier, Hatcher Pass or one of the countless attractions that bring visitors to our area each year. What may not come to mind immediately — but is vital to tourism in the Valley — are events.

Events such as the restart of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, the Alaska State Fair and others have a big impact on the local economy. Marketing these events to residents and out-of-state visitors is important because of the economic gain these events bring to our area.

The biggest event of the year in the Mat-Su Valley is undoubtedly the Alaska State Fair. For 12 days each August and September, thousands of people come to Palmer to see the giant vegetables, ride the rides, and take in concerts and attractions. While a lot of money is spent on the Alaska State Fairgrounds, just as much money is spent in our local restaurants, bed and breakfasts, hotels, gas stations and similar businesses when people come to Palmer for the fair.

The Mat-Su Outdoorsman Show is another great example of how events can benefit the local economy. Each March, the show is anticipated because it gives residents a chance to get excited about the upcoming summer recreation opportunities. Behind the scenes, however, the event helps the local economy — out-of-town exhibitors stay in hotels, exhibitors spend money for food, the city of Wasilla benefits from the lease of the Menard Sports Center and business owners help their overall sales by booking fishing charters and more at the show. That is money that wouldn’t be coming to the Mat-Su Valley if not for the three-day event.

Sports are another segment that is important in the Mat-Su Valley. When regional or state high school tournaments are held at one of our local high schools, teams from around Southcentral Alaska some for three to five days.

Often, parents make the trip to the Valley from the Peninsula or Fairbanks to watch their athletes compete, and the money they spend for lodging, food and entertainment is spread around the Valley.

The Mat-Su Convention & Visitors Bureau markets local events in a number of ways. Using traditional advertising avenues, the bureau uses print and radio in Alaska markets outside of the Mat-Su Valley to highlight local events and generate interest in people to come to the Mat-Su. The bureau also uses social media tactics to highlight these events. Online, the bureau’s Web site, www.alaskavisit.com, has an events calendar where people can submit their events for free — from huge events like the fair all the way to smaller events like fiber arts classes. This tool is available to all event planners, and the bureau encourages the public to take advantage of this free service.

With tourism numbers nationally falling in the wake of economic worries, marketing events is as important as ever, particularly here in the Mat-Su Valley, where we rely on attracting Alaskans to our area. Having successful events in our community ensures people will come — and help our economy grow.

Casey Ressler (casey@alaskavisit.com) is the marketing and communications manager at the Mat-Su CVB.