Earlier this month, we announced that the hosts of the Discovery Channel’s popular show, “RV There Yet?” will visit the Ames area in early October to record an episode on our region. The show will feature local amenities in Boone and Story County, including the Rail Explorers in Boone, Reiman Gardens in Ames, and tailgating at the Iowa State University-Baylor football game.
When we started brainstorming what this episode could be, it was clear to us that Boone was an essential community to highlight. With camping as the backdrop, we are fortunate to have Ledges State Park, which is celebrating its 100-year anniversary this year, in our backyard. From there, it was easy to fill the rest of the episode. In fact, I wish it was an hour-long!
The RV There Yet? team has been wonderful to work with. They have actively sought to make this episode appeal to a national audience, yet unique in its own right. I’m excited for their arrival and then eventually when the episode premiers next spring.
We talk about regionalism and partnerships a lot throughout our organization and this unique opportunity is another example of that. The show is being organized locally not only through the Alliance, but in partnership with Discover Ames and Visit Boone County. Each of our organizations has a web of connections across the region that were leveraged for this project. Multiple hands make light work and that certainly is the case here.
I was once told that before individuals and families relocate to a region, they first visit that area. Tourism can drive relocation. While I cannot say that this project will do that on its own, it certainly is a great opportunity to showcase our amazing region to a national audience. One entity that does that more than any other is Iowa State University. Football is upon us this weekend as the Cyclones host the University of North Dakota Fighting Hawks. If tailgating, or simply watching the game at home is on your agenda, cheer hard and Go Cyclones!
