2018 has been a monumental year for the Douglas community. The local visitors center, housed in our historic depot, took shape as the Douglas Railroad Museum & Visitor Center. That effort marks the first step in developing downtown Douglas as a destination.
First Thursdays found continued success with community members gathering monthly for a fun summer evening in the downtown area.
Jackalope Days 2018 was the largest and best-attended event in the gathering's recent history. Community members pulled together adding events and contributing to the overall success.
"Each of these events in some way benefitted from the lodging tax," says Cindy Porter, Executive Director of The Enterprise. "Dollars generated by the tax help staff and advertise the Railroad Museum. Grants received for First Thursdays and Jackalope Days helped advertise those events, ensuring locals knew about the gatherings and inviting guests into our community. As part of the Tourism Board's ongoing advertising buys, other gatherings, like the Farmers Market, also benefit."
Porter continues, "Lodging tax dollars also help advertise the Wyoming State Fair, the Wyoming Pioneer Museum, our downtown area and more. A lot of what we do here at The Enterprise is geared toward economic development. The lodging tax dollars are an important part of letting potential visitors know about all Douglas has to offer, an important component in bolstering our economy."
Looking at the years ahead Porters says, "As we continue to improve the Railroad Museum & Visitor Center and restore our historic train collection, it's going to take money. The advertising and support we receive from the lodging tax will be an essential part of that project's success."