>La Grande Observer | Union and Wallowa Counties' News Leader

A tourist attraction that brings visitors in year-round is better than an event that brings them once a year.

That seemed to be the consensus at the Union County Tourism Summit, an event held for business owners and community leaders last Wednesday at the Eastern Oregon Fire Museum and Learning Center.

"The community realizes it needs something long term, something that will appeal to a wide variety of interests. I think we've got to work together to make it happen," said Mary Ann Miesner, one of about 30 people in attendance.

The summit, hosted by Union County Tourism, was a follow-up to a similar meeting held in Elgin last spring.

Its purpose was to assess the 2007 tourist season, take a look at the county's assets and opportunities and lay some groundwork for the future.

Regarding that last goal, UCT Director Janet Dodson had the crowd compile a list of events and attractions they'd like to see in the county.

One attendee said she wouldn't mind it if the old Blue Mountain Rodeo made a comeback. Another suggested a bowling tournament, and still another a mint festival.

The list of ideas became long and discussions of their merit lengthy. But in general, people seemed to favor creation of a long-term attraction over development of some once-yearly event.

Prominent among the ideas was one from Dale Mammen, local attorney and owner of a recreational vehicle park in La Grande.

Mammen said he and his wife had done some traveling this year and were impressed by the success of a working farm in New England that offered activities for tourists.

He said he thinks the McKenzie Farm, held by a trust on condition that it remain in production and afford educational opportunities, would be perfect for an attraction here.

"It would take planning, patience, a lot of ideas and passion. But believe me, people will come to a place in American that is pure fresh air," Mammen said.

Another idea drawing discussion was improvement and enhancement of the area's cycling opportunities, both for mountain bikers and riders of the open road.

Along with that, an annual cycling event like a mountain bike race or a "Cycle Northeast Oregon" tour could be held, others suggested.

Judy Loudermilk was one of several people who said they thought the area's cycling possibilities hold promise. She too said she favored attraction with long-term possibilities.

"I think we need to have something unique, something no one else has," she said.

After lists were compiled, Dodson had people vote on their favorite ideas. An agri-tourism attraction and cycling emerged as the favorites.

Dodson then asked for volunteers for committees to look at the two options closely, and possibly start to develop some plans.

For agri-tourism, Joe Garoutte, Mary McCracken, Mammen, Ron Jensen and Peggy Weishaar raised their hands.

For cycling, the committee members are Sean Kumar, Mike Waltman, Mary Hoverson and Anita Metlin.

The summit included reports on the 2007 season from various tourism-related business sectors, including lodging, attractions, retail establishments and restaurants. Most of the people making presentations painted a rosy picture.

Ron Jensen, owner of Stang Manor Bed and Breakfast, said he thought the lodging trade in general enjoyed a better than average season.

"I've talked to quite a few motel owners and they say this year's been excellent," Jensen said.

He said area motels were busy with government workers and workers on the wind farm being built near North Powder. But tourism played a big role as well.

"We had a lot of people who said they'd lived in Portland for years but never saw this part of the state. We also had quite a few people from Europe. I think that may be because the exchange rate is very favorable right now," he said.

Val Stockhoff reported on local attractions and the numbers of people drawn to them.

She said the Wallowa-Union Railroad's excursion train was an especially bright spot, with ridership continuing upward throughout the season.

"Counting charters, there were a little over 2,500 riders, and more excursions are planned this fall," she said.

Judy Jensen, co-owner of The Potter's House with her husband Bob, said area retailers are reporting a solid season, too.

"I've found very positive response in retail and good response about tourism," she said. "Some of the antique stores have felt very blessed, though there has been a drop the last couple of weeks."

She urged retailers to continue strong marketing efforts through the fall.

"I say September is a big part of the tourist season. We have to continue marketing in September, early October. That's when we get people who don't have kids in school, " she said.

Sandy Sorrels, owner of Ten Depot and Mamacita's in downtown La Grande, said she believes area restaurants also enjoyed a good season.

"Generally, restaurants say it's been a good summer. I think more people are taking driving vacations and this (La Grande) is a good stop-over," she said.