Tourism strategy for Dodge

[Army_of_One]

Originally Posted by SGT T.

Ah, Dodge. If you really, REALLY wanna make Dodge the tourist trap that would win the west, then you are going to have to expand the boothill complex into more than just a few buldings on a half-a-block hidden behind a privacy fence. If you wanna get really nuts, then instead of keeping it there in the middle of the commerical district, try moving the ENTIRE historic complex out to either the west or east of town. (Whichever smells better.) Then you could build it into a mulit block mock-up of the 1880's version of Dodge. And hey, if you want a casino, then build one, 1880's style. Huge and grand, but keep it true to the style of the old west. Put a bank in there, and then rob it 4 times a day. Hire KNOWLEDGEABLE folks to walk around this complex in 1880's attire and have gunfights, randomly. Have a marshal and a jail. Have stage coach rides, and have them ride through open prarie. Have an old "tyme" ice cream parlor, homemade ice cream all summer long. People who come to Dodge to see the old west are getting about a block of empty buildings, a tiny museum and a stage coach ride through the middle of a MODERN southwest Kansas town. They don't spend much money in town, because there is not much to stick around for. Food, gas, and thats about it. Give them something worth staying for.

Sounds good...and where would all the money for this adventure come from???

[SGT T.]

Money, that is the issue now isn't it? No one asked how in the heck I would fund it. Just what was needed. So, there you go. If funding is an issue, then I would like to propose a Ford County Taco Tax. (JUST KIDDING!) But really, how much would my idea cost compared to a new event center? Or a raceway? Or the operating budget of the Boothill museum for a year? Just a thought.

[Army_of_One]

You are probably right...and if a casino came the taxes that the city/county/state would get from the casino would help pay for the other things you mentioned. Maybe we could raise the tax on tobacco...lol

[Made in the USA]

A tax on the packers for each "head" processed!

[K C Muffin]

For some reason I believe that's already been tried. When I was in Dodge and working at the C of C, we put that idea out there but it was quickly stomped on.....why, that would have made sense!!! The packers threatened to leave Dodge if that was passed. Then, that was a huge threat. Now it's just a lame excuse.

[Made in the USA]

That's typical. The packers bring us all of their "crap" to support, but then they don't wanna spend any money to help us pay for it!

[lurker]

No different than south Dillons, the packers are only one vice-president's decision away from relocating elsewhere. doG bless the town that wants them. Can you say "Hooker" Oklahoma?

[TexKan]

If that were true - ya'll could say Fresh Air!!!.........

[Highwayman]

Originally Posted by Army_of_One

....Maybe we could raise the tax on tobacco...lol

Maybe we could tax your video games instead.

Originally Posted by lurker

No different than south Dillons, the packers are only one vice-president's decision away from relocating elsewhere. doG bless the town that wants them. Can you say "Hooker" Oklahoma?

If they were going to give the world an enema they would insert the tool in Oklahoma.