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3| Impact
<br />You must provide the evidence utilized in determining your projections.
<br />Response 2.1: Why would tourists travel to Kittitas County to attend your event/activity/facility?*
<br />Visitors travel from across the nation—and even internationally—to experience the Ellensburg Rodeo because it delivers far
<br />more than an event; it offers an unforgettable gateway to the culture, hospitality, and natural beauty of Kittitas County. As one of
<br />America’s Top professional rodeos, the Ellensburg Rodeo pairs world-class competition with the warmth of a small-town
<br />celebration, drawing fans who seek an authentic Western adventure they can’t find anywhere else in Washington State.
<br />The timing of the Rodeo over Labor Day weekend makes it an anchor for late-summer travel. Guests plan multi-day stays to
<br />enjoy not only thrilling rodeo performances but also the vibrant parade, the Rockin’ the Chutes concert Thursday evening, live
<br />music every day, and behind-the-chutes tours. Many extend their visits to explore Kittitas County’s wide-open landscapes—
<br />hiking in the Cascades, fishing on the Yakima River, wine tasting in the valley, or discovering historic downtown Ellensburg.
<br />Our marketing strategy intentionally invites travelers to make a weekend of it by highlighting lodging, dining, and recreation
<br />throughout the county. The result is a tourism experience that spreads economic benefit beyond the Rodeo Grounds, filling
<br />hotels, campgrounds, restaurants, and local shops from Cle Elum to Vantage.
<br />For more than a century, the Ellensburg Rodeo has been a reason to gather, celebrate, and discover the best of Central
<br />Washington. It continues to serve as a powerful draw for visitors seeking adventure, culture, and connection—while supporting
<br />Kittitas County’s reputation as a premier tourism destination.
<br />2500 character limit
<br />Response 2.2: Describe the prior success of your event/activity/facility to attract tourists.*
<br />The Ellensburg Rodeo has a proven record as one of Washington’s most successful tourism drivers. In 2023, celebrating its
<br />100th Anniversary, every ticketed event sold out well in advance—drawing nearly 45,000 attendees, with an estimated 14,000
<br />traveling more than 50 miles and over 8,000 staying overnight in paid accommodations. Local hotels, campgrounds, restaurants,
<br />and retailers reported marked increases in business tied directly to Rodeo guests.
<br />Our 2023 marketing campaign, funded in part by the Lodging Tax Grant, expanded outreach beyond the Pacific Northwest to
<br />Wyoming, Nebraska, Colorado, Nevada, Utah, and both Dakotas, resulting in a 339% surge in website traffic during peak sales
<br />periods. Ticketing data confirmed growth from these new markets, demonstrating the Rodeo’s ability to convert awareness into
<br />tourism.
<br />While 2024 numbers did not quite match the exceptional turnout of the Centennial year, the trend remained positive, with solid
<br />attendance and strong overnight stays that reinforced the Rodeo’s appeal as a late-summer getaway. Early reports for 2025
<br />show an even stronger rebound, surpassing 2024 in advance ticket sales and pacing on track to meet or exceed the remarkable
<br />2023 event.
<br />The event has consistently filled lodging across Kittitas County and extended visitor stays beyond the rodeo weekend by
<br />promoting dining, shopping, and recreation throughout the valley. From historic downtown Ellensburg to the scenic Yakima River
<br />Canyon, guests discover a welcoming community and an array of activities that complement their Rodeo experience.
<br />For more than a century, the Ellensburg Rodeo has not only sustained its reputation as one of America’s Top professional
<br />rodeos but also amplified its impact as an economic engine for Central Washington. Its blend of heritage, entertainment, and
<br />hospitality continues to position Kittitas County as a must-visit destination for travelers seeking an authentic Western adventure.
<br />2500 character limit
<br />Application Questions: Part 2
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