Minnesota Home Stager Report - Governor's Fishing Opener in The Brainerd Lakes

     Lisa Paxton, Brainerd Lakes Chamber CEO thinks that  hosting the Governor’s Fishing Opener will give the Brainerd Lakes Area a long term pay off. "The governor's fishing opener will be a real boost," Paxton said "It's really an opportunity to capture a couple hundred media for an entire Brainerd lakes experience."

     Carol Altepeter, governor fishing opener event coordinator and regional manager at the Minnesota Office of Tourism in Brainerd, said from past experiences the opener brings in $600,000 conservatively from immediate media exposure. The boost to the area's economy through a strong tourism season is expected as media representatives - typically between 150 and 175 people - attend the three-day event.

     Paxton said the media exposure, which will be part of the Twin Cities for the extended weekend, is something the lakes area couldn't afford to buy. A dozen radio stations are expected to broadcast live from the opener and Gov. Tim Pawlenty's hour-long radio show will take place in the Breezy Point area with the public invited. While the majority of media personnel will be from Minnesota many will be traveling from Iowa, Illinois, North Dakota, South Dakota, Canada and Texas. Media tours will include the Paul Bunyan Scenic By-Way, area sporting businesses, and golf facilities.  They will be eating in area restaurants, shopping in our stores and sleeping in our motels. I am sure they will not enjoy our high gas prices, though!

     About 110 fishing hosts each take two or three people out in their boats, to experience our wonderful Minnesota lakes. Hopefully, the loons will be calling to them, as well. About 325 people are expected to attend the event between media and sponsors, not counting the general public. The free, public community picnic and program at the Trailside Park in Pequot Lakes on May 9^th, has been planned for 2500 to 3000.

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