June 2016 Volume 12, Issue 6 A publication of the Manhattan Convention & Visitors Bureau
Manhattan pools opened May 28 for the season. www.mhkprd.com
Kicker Country Stampede has highdegree impact on MHK economy
Kicker Country Stampede turns the big 2-1! Now, for the really big news: Tim McGraw and Dierks Bentley are mere days from appearances on the main stage at Tuttle Creek State Park. Twenty years are in the books, with a slight format change to this year’s three-night event. Country Stampede? Better than ever! Over the years, Manhattan has seen acts from Jason Aldean and Clint Black to Keith Urban, Clay Walker, Trisha Yearwood and Dwight Yoakam perform in the Flint Hills at Tuttle Creek State Park. Stampede has hosted 2.5-3 million visitors through Manhattan for this classic country music fest. Outof-state visitors by the thousands fill hotel rooms and restaurants around The Little Apple® and post truly staggering numbers for Manhattan tourism figures. Stampede officials estimate the economic impact to exceed $10 million for the community.
In two weeks, McGraw makes his fourth appearance as Country Stampede’s headline act. Fitting, since he topped the billing at the very first Stampede 20 years ago, back on June 29, 2006, when “All I Want is a Life” was his hit song and sparks were flying with now-wife Faith Hill. Dierks Bentley joined McGraw as a Stampede headliner 13 years later, and they’re together again at the top of the ticket in Manhappenin.
Joining McGraw and Bentley will be Jake Owen for Saturday’s curtain-closing show. Sam Hunt and Cassadee Pope (June 23), Chris Janson (June 24)
and Chase Rice (June 25) are more headline acts for Country Stampede No. 21. Interested in volunteer opportunities at the Visit Manhattan information booth during Stampede? Let us know, email emma@manhattan.org.