On Monday, March 4th, 2019 Pulaski County Tourism Bureau & Visitors Center celebrated the 274th birthday of Casimir Pulaski, Revolutionary War hero and namesake of Pulaski County, Missouri. The City of Waynesville issued a proclamation decreeing the day as Casimir Pulaski Day.
Waynesville City Councilman Clarence Liberty presents Pulaski County Tourism Bureau Executive Director Beth Wiles the City of Waynesville’s proclamation decreeing Monday, March 4th, 2019 Casimir Pulaski Day in Waynesville, Missouri.
PCTB began incorporating a re-imagined depiction of Casimir Pulaski into their social media channels January 4, 2019. Casimir 2.0 brings a face to PCTB’s digital marketing efforts and brings Pulaski into the minds of residents and to those visiting our county.
American Revolutionary War Hero Casimir Pulaski (left) and reimagined Casimir 2.0 (right)
To honor Pulaski further the organization began a new annual tradition of hosting an open house on the first Monday in March to celebrate Pulaski’s birthday. The annual open house also gives Pulaski County residents a festive opportunity to get to know PCTB, engage with tourism-related business owners, learn how tourism drives Pulaski County’s economy, and, perhaps, even discover area attractions they may have been unaware of before.
Scavenger Hunt clues were placed throughout the Visitors Center- including the Pulaski County room!
Check out these videos of our partners and community leaders who stopped by during the celebration!
In addition to birthday cake, punch, and coffee, party-goers who participated in the scavenger hunt were rewarded with an extra ticket for a chance to win one of multiple door prizes. The scavenger hunt aided attendees in learning:
• Pulaski County Tourism Bureau is a nonprofit organization that is funded by a 3% lodging tax. This funding is used for the sole purpose of marketing Pulaski County as a tourist destination.
• PCTB markets Pulaski County through media and film, targeted banner ads, print and online publications, radio, billboards, social media, tradeshows, marketplace events, and speaking engagements. The Bureau also produces and distributes an annual Visitors Guide, and brochures such as the popular Historic Driving Tours and Waynesville Walking Tour.
• PCTB markets the county as a tourist destination to history & culture travelers, military graduation families, Route 66 enthusiasts, leisure travelers, specialty groups (Big BAM, National Speleological Society, etc.), motor coach companies (including church and bank groups), and reunion groups- including military, family, and alumni associations.
• Tourism in Pulaski County impacts a diverse array of local businesses including restaurants and nightlife, indoor and outdoor recreation, shopping and personal services, RV parks and campgrounds, hotels, motels, cabins, vacation homes, bed & breakfasts, and transportation providers. Tourists, travelers, and visitors spend over $75 million in Pulaski County annually. Tourism also indirectly impacts revenue in the county by employing over 2,600 residents who spend over $55 million in payroll.
The event also incorporated an online silent auction to benefit Saint Robert’s future Neon Park. The Neon Park will be located within George M. Reed Roadside Park, which is one of only two remaining roadside parks on Route 66 in Missouri. The Neon Park will feature restored classic neon signs- iconic pieces of vintage Americana, that have been rescued from the Mother Road and lovingly brought back to life. The Neon Park will be a game-changer for Pulaski County by enticing Route 66 travelers to eat, stay, and play after the signs are lit each evening. The Neon Park is spearheaded by Pulaski County Route 66 Preservation. Auction items are available for bid through Noon March 18th, 2019 and can be viewed here: https://www.charityauctionstoday.com/auctions/route-66-neon-park-silent-auction-7271. For corporate and business sponsorship opportunities contact Beth Wiles at info@route66preservation.org.
Door prizes were generously furnished by Cellar 66 Restaurant & Wine Bar, City of Waynesville and Cookiez By Nourish & Nurse, LLC. Door prize winners were Twyla Cordry, Ronda Cortesini, Ezra Murray, & Laura Schoephorster!
The entire staff at Pulaski County Tourism Bureau & Visitors Center thanks the community for celebrating Casimir Pulaski with us and we look forward to seeing you again March 2nd, 2020 for Casimir’s 275th birthday party!
Further reading:
History & Heroes: Five Fast Facts- Casimir Pulaski
Introducing Casimir 2.0
Route 66 Neon Park Proposed in Saint Robert, Missouri
Pulaski County USA 