Mitchell plans tourism boost with Corn Palace and regional events strategy

The Corn Palace Board Meeting held on February 11, 2025, in Mitchell, South Dakota, focused on enhancing the visibility and appeal of the iconic Corn Palace and its surrounding attractions. Board members discussed strategies to boost tourism, including leveraging social media and imagery to promote the "Bridal South Dakota" campaign.

A key highlight was the conversation around festival sponsorships. Board members noted feedback suggesting that sponsors would prefer increased ticket allocations over traditional promotional materials. This shift could enhance sponsor satisfaction and engagement during events.

The meeting also touched on the success of recent events, particularly the Department of Corrections (DOC) activities, which saw a significant increase in participation. The board reported that around 800 motel rooms were utilized during a three-day stretch, indicating a positive economic impact on the local hospitality sector.

Looking ahead, discussions included plans for the carnival layout, with a focus on addressing potential congestion issues. The board is considering maintaining the current location for the carnival in 2025, pending further feedback from Gold Star, the event organizer.

The meeting concluded with a brief executive session, after which no further actions were reported. Overall, the board's proactive approach aims to keep Mitchell and the Corn Palace at the forefront of South Dakota's tourism landscape.