Ask any hotel owner, retailer or restaurateur about the impact of tourism spending, and they will tell you that it is the very lifeblood of their business.  So we were struck when we read in the current issue of The Business News that tourism spending in Marathon County has shrunk by $3M, while surrounding counties such as Portage, Waupaca and Vilas have seen increases in visitor dollars.

The loss requires attention and action from the community.  It’s a simple formula of seizing our existing opportunities, creating new venues for fun and spreading the word outside of our borders.  The pleasant reality is that Marathon County has ever more to offer visitors, starting this weekend.

Three words:  Why Not Wausau?  A diverse music extravaganza that 1.) is free; 2.) features regional and national music acts; and 3.) takes place on the entertainment-friendly 400 block where you can truly make the event your own, whether that means picnicking, getting your groove on or just kicking back in your lawn chair…or a combination of all three.

The Why Not Wausau? concept was hatched specifically to put greater Wausau on the map as the region’s place for a quick weekend getaway.  While the event aspires to attract regional visitors, the message is simple for locals:  Go!

How many other opportunities are there to enjoy best-in-class bands under the stars without leaving the city limits or even paying admission?  Besides, your attendance will contribute to the momentum needed to make Why Not Wausau? the destination it was created to be.

Rome wasn’t built in a day, nor was Summerfest or Hodag.  Consider it your civic duty to grab a blanket and a friend, and savor this one-of-a-kind Wausau treat.   Why Not Wausau? details can be found on Facebook.