Judgment Day didn't work out as a new big event for Reno. I didn't notice much interest at all and even if it had happened, it would have been a one shot deal and not much help on the tourism and economic fronts. Since it looks like we're still going to be around for a while, what Reno really needs is something new that not only sparks immediate interest, but that has the potential to grow into something big over time. Do you have a vision for the next big event in Reno? Don't be shy - leave a comment and share your idea.
Photo © Stan White
Hot August Nights is our best example of an event that has grown huge over the years. Others that started small and have blossomed into Reno staples are Artown, the Reno Rodeo, and the Reno River Festival, to name just a few of our big annual events. All of these are successful because dedicated people work to make them happen and they have support in the local community and beyond. And just because something has been around for a long time doesn't mean it can skate by on it's past success - the Nevada State Fair (held every year since 1874 and the longest running event in Nevada) will not be happening in 2011 due to debt and lack of funding to carry on.
I'll toss out an idea to get the discussion going. How about some sort of Winter Fest? With the downtown Rink on the River, we already have a terrific center piece on which to build. It couldn't be totally dependent on snow since it's hit or miss down here in the Truckee Meadows, but it's not far to a reliable winter supply of fluffy powder. How about ice hockey, figure skating, snowshoe races, polar bear kayak racing, etc.? Anyway, jump in with your idea or expand on mine. Let us know what you think.
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Comments
I’ve got two dogs and would love to see some dog-based activities (agility, sheep herding, frisbee toss, training days, etc.). I’m not sure that could turn into a tourism boon, but hey, why not?
Also, when I lived in Woodland, CA, they had the annual Scottish games (where I learned my heritage is mostly built around bad food, good beer, and hurling heavy objects). Those kinds of things are fun, provided they are focused on entertaining the visitor and not just selling junk.
Look beyond annual “events” and concentrate on building a unique, ongoing city theme like so many of our close neighboring towns. Those in charge here are all about gaming. It is obvious; their only concern is raking in big bucks to support their lavish lifestyles. We’ve been getting out what we’ve been putting in – it’s not rocket science. The little brains of our business and government leaders continue to waste ridiculous amounts of money paying outside consultants and others to provide answers to all our woes. Reno will change the day those in charge change their overall priorities.
I think George might be onto something with the dog idea. Dogs are everywhere around here and I would think some well thought out dog events would have lots of appeal. Maybe a Dogathon race – human and canine running teams.
We already have the Reno Celtic Celebration that’s been going on for years. It’s October 1 – 2 this year.
TheItGirl is right about gaming. It’s influence has pretty much run things for a long time, but it’s run as the only game in town is coming to an end. It’s up to us citizens to change the focus of where Reno is going and what it’s going to be like. Creating an overall, unique theme is a good idea, but what should it be? Surely we can figure it out without hiring outsiders who don’t know our town. The RSCVA tried something like that for a tourism theme and it was a colossal flop.
I recently moved back to Oklahoma after 23 years, twenty one of those were spent working with a great group of people at Fitzgeralds and associated properties.It took one year for the Montage group to squelch that. One thing that always puzzled me was why didn’t Reno have large scale racing? Winston Cup and drag racing seems to always draw people and generate money.