Our most recent born and bred talent is Bridget Everett, talented singer, comedian and actor, star of HBO series Somebody, Somewhere which is now in its second season, and continues to bring attention to Manhattan. The Convention and Visitors Bureau has organized a Bridget Everett Day, in which the community will be able to welcome Bridget home.
Join us at this fun Meet and Greet in City Park Tuesday afternoon from 4:30 - 6 p.m. with Bridget. The Wayne Goins Quintet will be providing music to inspire all those who attend. At the City Commission meeting that evening, Mayor Morse will present a proclamation declaring this week National Tourism Week and Bridget Everett Day.
Visit Manhattan has created an itinerary to enjoy during National Tourism Week. Visit Sunset Zoo to see the newest exhibit: Exhibition Asia. Have you noticed all the murals throughout town? See how many you can find, snap a picture, post it and tag us (@VisitManhattan) and include #VisitManhattanKS and #NTTW22. At the end of National Tourism Week, we will choose a winner to receive $50 in Little Apple Dollars.
Have you been to our most unique museum, the Midwest Dream Car Collection? Join 8,000 other visitors to see these amazing vehicles. Get ready for a rockin' good time on Friday when Manhattan hosts the US Air Guitar 2022 Regional Championship at the Wareham. This competition must be one of the most unique competitions Manhattan is known for! The week concludes on Saturday by celebrating the Flint Hills with the Flint Hills Discovery Center and the Flint Hills Festival in the Blue Earth Plaza.
Check here for a complete list of fun activities.
We look forward to Manhattan once again obtaining the pre-pandemic numbers of welcoming on average 350,000 visitors a year. The average visitor spends $311 daily, averaging $162 million a year. In 2020, visitor spending supported 2,050 jobs, representing the fourth largest industry in Riley County.
As Manhattan emerges from the pandemic and welcomes visitors to Manhattan and the Flint Hills Region, let us all enjoy our incredibly special Manhattan community.