This year at the 2014 Kansas Tourism Conference,Country Stampede was awarded the prestigiousGovernor’s Tourism Award for their contributionsto the tourism industry in Kansas. The CountryStampede Music Festival has been held annually atTuttle Creek State Park for the past 19 years andWayne Rouse has served as the General Managerall 19 years.

Country Stampede is the largest country musicfestival in Kansas, with attendance exceeding40,000 people over the four day period. The largeattendance is a tribute to the top notch perform-ers that are brought to the stage each year. Pastperformers include Toby Keith, Luke Bryan, KennyChesney, Taylor Swift and MANY more. BlakeShelton and Florida Georgia Line are set to head-line the 2015 event.

Economic impact on Manhattan businesses hasbeen tremendous with this event. Average out-of-

town spending on lodging, retail and food/beverageis over $1.3 million per year. Campers spend over$4.8 million per year on camping, retail andfood/beverage. The local market on averagespends over $3.0 million on retail and food/bever-age per year. All othersingle day retail andfood/beverage expensestotal nearly $1.0 million.Overall, this has an annualeconomic impact of nearly$10 million on theManhattan market.

The Governor’s TourismAward was established in1983 to recognize aKansan for outstandingcontributions to the traveland tourism industry inKansas and to encourage

others, in the tourism industry, to strive for excel-lence in their respective endeavors. CountryStampede is very deserving of this recognition, andManhattan is proud to be home of this signatureevent.

November 2014Volume 14, Issue 11A publication of the

ManhattanConvention &Visitors Bureau

Country Stampede Wins Governor’s Tourism Award

Picture left to right: Linda Craghead -Asst. Sec. of KDWPT, Adrienne Hayes, Wayne Rouse, Marla & Jeff Copper- Country Stampede, and Karen Hibbard-

Manhattan Convention & Visitors Bureau Director

Light It Up!Tis’ the season to light up the town! Downtown’sBlue Earth Plaza will soon become a twinkling won-derland and proud home to the tallest Christmastree in Kansas. The 2nd Annual Festival of Lights willtake place at Blue Earth Plaza on November 28th at7:00 PM. Thousands of lights will sparkle on a tree60 feet tall, welcoming people to share in the holi-day spirit.

The Festival of Lights began with an idea by localbusiness owners. Colin Noble, longtime local busi-nessman, had a vision to bring a grand holiday treeto the downtown area. He shared this vision withBrad Everett, Gwyn Riffel, Wade Radina and WardMorgan, who also agreed with this idea. This groupof leaders joined together as Whoville, Inc. to bringthe vision to life. It is a magical event where chil-dren may sit on Santa’s lap, play games and listen tolocal groups perform holiday music. With contribu-tions from the Whoville group, this holiday kick offtradition is quickly becoming a town favorite. It’sthe founders hope that this event will encourageothers to raise money for local charities. 2014 cashdonations received on site will benefit the Manhattan Emergency Shelter.

Come out for the 2014 Festival and bring your friends. It will be a grand time of fun and celebration! For more information, visit www.mhkfestivaloflights.com or call 785-776-8829.

Holiday EventsThe countdown to Christmas has begun! Manhattan is a magical place to celebrate theholiday season. Check out these events to join in on the fun.

Ice Rink OpensLace your skates and bring some friends!November 1, City Park

Community Thanksgiving DinnerTraditional Thanksgiving dinner is free, donations appreciatedNovember 27, 11:00 AM-2:00 PM @ Old Chicago

Santa at Manhattan Town CenterMeet Santa Claus at Manhattan Town Center! November 28-December 24 in Center Court

Holiday Music FestivalEnjoy sights and sounds of the Holiday Music Festival!November 30-December 20 at Manhattan Town Center in the Picnic Place

Carriage RidesFree carriage rides with donation of non-perishable food itemEvery Friday, Saturday, Sunday from December 6th-21st, 5:00 PM-8:00 PMPick up/Drop off at 3rd and Poyntz

Little Apple Ball DropVisit our website www.visitmanhattanks.org for more details.More information will be available in December Tourism Topics

Wildcats SportsK-State fall sports are in full swing! Check out the schedule below. For ticket information,visit www.kstatesports.com or call 1-800-221-CATS. For complete schedules, visitwww.kstatesports.com.

2014 Kansas TourismConferenceThe Manhattan Convention & Visitor’s Bureau was proud tohost the 2014 Kansas Tourism Conference at the ManhattanConference Center this past October. The TourismConference is a joint effort between the Tourism IndustryAssociation of Kansas (TIAK) and the Kansas Departmentof Wildlife, Parks and Tourism bringing together individuals inthe Kansas tourism industry to learn and celebrate accom-plishments throughout the year.

The Conference was three days and included a welcome andtour at Kansas State West Stadium, knowledgeable keyspeakers, and a reception at the Flint Hills Discovery Center.Key speakers discussed essential marketing strategies fordestination tourism as well as leading through adversity.Over 180 attendees enjoyed The Little Apple®; our redevel-oped community.

The 2015 Kansas Tourism Conference will be hosted inEmporia.

Date Opponent / Event Location11/08/14 at TCU * Fort Worth, Texas11/20/14 at West Virginia * Morgantown, W.Va. 6:00 PM11/29/14 vs. Kansas * Manhattan, Kan.12/06/14 at Baylor *

K-State Football Schedule

Date Opponent / Event Location11/09/14 vs. Washburn Bramlage Coliseum 2:00 PMCT11/14/14 vs. Southern Utah Bramlage Coliseum 8:00 PMCT11/17/14 vs. UMKC Bramlage Coliseum 7:00 PMCT12/02/14 vs. Nebraska-Omaha Bramlage Coliseum 7:00 PMCT12/09/14 vs. Bradley Bramlage Coliseum 7:00 PMCT12/14/14 vs. Savannah State Bramlage Coliseum 5:00 PMCT

K-State Men’s Home Basketball Schedule

Date Opponent / Event Location11/18/14 vs. UMKC Bramlage Coliseum 7:00 p.m. CT11/21/14 vs. Hampton University Bramlage Coliseum 7:00 p.m. CT

2014 Hardwood Tournament of Hope11/25/14 vs. UTEP Puerto Vallarta, Mexico 5:00 p.m. CT11/26/14 vs. Santa Clara Puerto Vallarta, Mexico 5:00 p.m. CT11/27/14 vs. LSU Puerto Vallarta, Mexico 5:00 p.m. CT12/04/14 vs. UT Arlington Bramlage Coliseum 7:00 p.m. CT12/12/14 at Wichita State Wichita, Kan. 7:05 p.m. CT12/14/14 vs. Oral Roberts Bramlage Coliseum 1:00 p.m. CT12/20/14 vs. Grambling St. Bramlage Coliseum 1:00 p.m. CT12/22/14 vs. Abilene Christian Bramlage Coliseum 7:00 p.m. CT12/30/14 vs. Samford Bramlage Coliseum 7:00 p.m. CT

K-State Women’s Home Basketball Schedule

McCainPerformancesThe 2014-2015 McCain Performance Series offersan outstanding lineup with 30 Broadway perform-ances, world renowned artists and attractions tak-ing the stage. Don’t delay in planning a date nightor two, as we anticipate many of these perform-ances being a sell-out this year.

Moscow State Symphony OrchestraOne of the five oldest concert orchestras inRussia November 5, 8:00 PM

Lakota Sioux Dance TheatreTraditional dance and historic narrativesNovember 9, 4:00 PM

Sweeney ToddMusical thriller about 19th century London barberon a murderous rampageNovember 13, 7:30 PM

ELFHilarious tale of Buddy the elfNovember 14, 8:00 PM

Sybarite5Grammy nominated string quintet November 16, 3:00 PM and 7:30 PM

Yo-Yo MaClassical music’s most celebrated artistDecember 3, 7:30 PM

Tickets for these performances are still availableand can be purchased by phone at 785-532-6428, online at http://www.k-state.edu/mccain/tickets/ or by person at thebox office located in the lobby of McCainAuditorium open from 11:30 AM- 4:30 PM week-days.

ELF

Karen Hibbard, Directorkaren@manhattan.org

Marcia Rozell, Tourism SalesManager

marcia@manhattan.org

Kendra Dekat, AdministrativeAssistant/ Service Coordinatorkendra@manhattan.org

Emily Wehling, MarketingCoordinator

emily@manhattan.org

Manhattan Convention & Visitors Bureau Staff

November 20143 K-State Women's Basketball v.

Emporia StateBramlage Coliseum800-221-2287

4-12/7 Making: ProgressBeach Museum of Art, K-State785-532-7718

5 McCain Performance Series: Moscow State Symphony OrchestraMcCain Auditorium, K-State8:00 PM785-532-6428

6 Making: Progress Opening ReceptionBeach Museum of Art, K-State5:00-7:00 PM785-532-7718

6 Forces II: The Nuremberg Trials and the Development of International LawFlint Hills Discovery Center7:00 PM785-587-2726

7-8 19th Annual Manhattan Area Weavers and Spinners Open House and SaleRiley County Senior CenterFri 5:00-8:00 PM; Sat 9:00 AM-3:00 PM785-537-4040

7-9 Much Ado About NothingManhattan Arts CenterFri & Sat 7:30 PM; Sun 2:00 PM785-537-4420

8 Buttons ‘n BowsSeven Dolors Catholic School8:30 AM - 4:30 PM785-565-5050

8 Forces II: Atomic Views: Inside Kansas State’s Nuclear ReactorFlint Hills Discovery Center2:00 PM785-587-2726

9 K-State Men's Basketball v. WashburnBramlage Coliseum800-221-2287

9 Military Appreciation DaySunset Zoo12:00-5:00 PM785-587-2730

10 K-State Women's Basketball v. NewmanBramlage Coliseum800-221-2287

11 Preschoolers in the Flint Hills (ages 3-5): Army TimeFlint Hills Discovery Center10:30-11:30 AM785-587-2726

11 Veterans Day Biscuit & Gravey BreakfastVFW Post 17867:00 AM

11 Veterans Day ParadeDowntown Manhattan9:30 AM785-341-6394

11 Veterans Day Post Parade CeremonyWareham Opera House11:00 AM

12 K-State Volleyball v. KansasAhearn Field House, K-State7:00 PM800-221-2287

13 An Evolving Relationship: Native American Artists and Collectors in the American SouthwestBeach Museum of Art, K-State6:00 PM785-532-7718

14 McCain Performance Series: ELFMcCain Auditorium, K-State8:00 PM785-532-6428

14 K-State Men's Basketball v. Southern UtahBramlage Coliseum800-221-2287

14 K-State Women's Basketball v. SIUEBramlage Coliseum800-221-2287

14-16 Much Ado About NothingManhattan Arts CenterFri & Sat 7:30 PM; Sun 2:00 PM785-537-4420

16 McCain Performance Series: SYBARITE5Kirmser Hall, McCain Auditorium3:00 and 7:30 PM785-532-6428

17 K-State Men's Basketball v. UMKCBramlage Coliseum800-221-2287

18 K-State Women's Basketball v. UMKCBramlage Coliseum800-221-2287

19 McCain Performance Series: Lakota Sioux Dance TheaterMcCain Auditorium, K-State4:00 PM785-532-6428

20 Healing ArtsBeach Museum of Art, K-State6:30-8:00 PM785-532-7718

21 K-State Women's Basketball v. Hampton UniversityBramlage Coliseum800-221-2287

21 Adventure Camp (grades K-2): Who Found It?Flint Hills Discovery CenterAll Day OR Half Day785-587-2726

21 K-State Men's Basketball v. Long Beach StateBramlage Coliseum800-221-2287

21 The Appleseed CollectiveManhattan Arts Center7:30 PM785-537-4420

21 Adventure Camp (grades 3-6): Zoo TechnologySunset ZooAll Day OR Half Day785-587-2726

22 K-State Volleyball v. TCUAhearn Field House, K-State7:00 PM800-221-2287

25 Preschoolers in the Flint Hills (ages 3-5): Explorers & NaturalistsFlint Hills Discovery Center10:30-11:30 AM785-587-2726

26 Adventure Camp (grades 3-6): Enriching AnimalsSunset ZooAll Day OR Half Day785-587-2726

26 Adventure Camp (grades K-2): Flint Hills PioneerFlint Hills Discovery CenterAll Day OR Half Day785-587-2726

27 Thanksgiving DinnerOld Chicago11:00 AM-2:00 PM785-537-0730

28-12/24 Visit Santa at the Manhattan Town CenterManhattan Town Center785-539-3500

28 Festival of LightsBlue Earth Plaza7:00 PM785-539-3800

29 KSU Football v. KansasBill Snyder Family Stadium800-221-2287

29 K-State Volleyball v. West VirginiaAhearn Field House, K-State800-221-2287

30 Kansas State University Marching Band ConcertAhearn Field House, K-State3:00-4:30 PM785-532-3816

30- 12/20 Holiday Music FestivalManhattan Town Center785-539-3500 Manhattan Convention & Visitors Bureau

501 Poyntz Avenue Manhattan, KS 66502(785) 776-8829 • (785) 776-0679 fax

Upcoming Conferences, Sports and Special Events in The Little Apple®

Kelly Loub, Chair, DiningBrad Everett, Four Points by SheratonEvan Grier, DiningBernie Haney, Youth/SportsTodd Holmberg, Entertainment/KSUGregg Joyal, HotelMeredith McKee, HotelTerry Olson, RetailWayne Rouse, Entertainment

AggievilleJeff Wolfe, Meeting Planner/ KSU

Ex-Officio MembersEddie Estes, City of ManhattanLyle Butler, Chamber PresidentKaren McCulloh, City Commissioner

Manhattan CVB Steering Committee

November.............................Anticipated Attendance NumbersConferences/Meetings/Reunions03 The Conservation Fund Meeting ........................................................7005 Kansas Association of American Educators ......................................5007 Kansas Rural Center Farm & Food Conference...........................20012 Kansas Water Office Governor's Conference on the Future of ....

Water in Kansas....................................................................................50014 Westar Energy Leadership Summit ..................................................30015 Kansas Bass Nation Fall Annual Meeting.........................................10028 Manhattan High School Class of 1999 Reunion............................10030 Kansas Farm Bureau Annual Meeting ...........................................1,000

Sporting Events08 K-State Inline Hockey Club Tournament ........................................100

Special Events02 Make It With Wool State Competition..............................................40