Representatives of Visit Mandan (Mandan Progress organization) asked the Morton County Commission on Aug. 26 for $15,000 in county support for fiscal 2026 to maintain and expand tourism marketing and event promotion.
Matt (last name not specified), representing the Mandan Progress organization, described a slate of events and marketing efforts that he said drew substantial attendance in 2024, including an estimate of about 170,000 visitors to Mandan events and about 60,000 visitors to the “Holiday Lights on Main” attraction. He said Visit Mandan plans to continue a full-page ad in the state tourism guide, expand the VisitMandan.com portal to include smaller Morton County communities, and assume management of the Old Red/Old Ten Scenic Byway marketing program in 2026.
"In '26, we see, we hope to continue that full page ad in the North Dakota tourism guide," the presenter said, and described partnerships with Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, local communities and regional partners to bring people to the county.
The presenter requested $15,000 from the county for 2026. Commissioners discussed county budgeting for the organization and noted the county’s current line item for the group has typically been lower; one commissioner said the county’s budget line shows $9,500 in recent years and said final funding will be determined during the budgeting process.
Commissioners asked about operational details including use of outside services for traffic and security at events; the presenter said the organization contracts for traffic control and uses local security (Spartan Security Solutions) for large events. The presenter also described new event investments funded through community sponsorships and the MPO, including a $125,000 community-funded military tribute holiday-tree display.
No county appropriation was approved during the meeting. Commissioners said they would consider the request during the county’s final budget decisions.