Geary County commissioners approve $15,000 for FreedomFest, hear tourism signage and marketing requests

The Geary County Commission approved a one-time $15,000 appropriation to FreedomFest for 2025 and heard a series of tourism and marketing requests, including support for I-70 directional signage to Konza Prairie and new visitor-guide bids.

The request came from a county tourism representative who told commissioners the event needs more support to continue drawing visitors. "So we're asking for $15,000 of a one-time payment to FreedomFest for 2025," the representative said, noting last year’s county contribution was $7,500. Commissioner (unnamed) moved to approve the request; the motion was seconded and carried on a voice vote.

Why it matters: Tourism events and directional signage can affect local lodging and business revenue during the event season. The tourism speaker also asked the commission to sign a letter supporting placement of an I-70 directional exit sign for Konza Prairie (recommended exit 307) to increase visitor awareness.

Details and next steps: The tourism representative presented bids for 10,000 promotional bags (17.5"x15"); the low bid was $4,788 (Consolidated Printing), with a local supplier slightly higher. Commissioners indicated a preference for a local vendor and approved awarding the bid to the local office supplier. The representative also reported state park visitation of 308,810 for 2024 and said bids for a visitor guide will be presented at the next meeting.

Commissioners asked staff to prepare a letter on county letterhead for the I-70 signage request and to review the county’s membership value in outside tourism associations before committing further funds. The county granted the tourism representative permission to make a hotel reservation for an upcoming trade show in Omaha; the vendor had already paid registration.