Welcome to the latest issue of the Merriam Historic Plaza & Visitors Bureau e-news.  This online tourism resource provides helpful information including upcoming events, tourism industry announcements, promotions and updates from Merriam and the regional metropolitan area.

Merriam...Just Right!

Several Merriam area hotels and restaurants have teamed up to offer visitors great discounts!  The Sleep-n-Eat program encourages hotel patrons to visit local participating restaurants for a discount on their meal purchase.  All that's required of the visitor is to present their room key card to verify that they are overnighting in Merriam.  Participating hotels include:  Drury Inn, Comfort Inn, Homestead Studio Suites, Quality Inn and Hampton Inn & Suites.  Restaurants who are offering the Sleep-n-Eat discounts include:  Bilski's Bar & Grill, Chili's, Papa John's Pizza, Quizno's, Sonic Drive-In, Russell Stover Candies and Krispy Kreme Doughnuts. 

Former President Bill Clinton once said, "citizen service is the very American idea that we meet our challenges not as isolated individuals, but as members of a true community, with all of us working together.  Our mission is nothing less than to spark a renewed sense of obligation, a new sense of duty, a new season of service."

To recognize those who provide volunteer service to the Merriam Vistiors Bureau, a special recognition luncheon has been scheduled for Wednesday, April 25, 2007 at 11:30 a.m. at the Merriam Historic Plaza.  Those who currently serve in a volunteer capacity for the Visitors Bureau are invited to attend.  Lunch is provided with a special guest presentation about the importance of volunteering and the impact volunteers have in our community.

The beautiful landscape and rolling hills of Kansas is now on display at the Merriam Visitors Bureau.  Entitled, "Flint Hills and Heaven", this beautiful 30x36 pastel print by artist Jean Terry was recently awarded 3rd Place in the annual Heartland Artist Exhibition held at the Irene B. French Community Center Art Gallery.

Turkey Creek Festival is just weeks away...mark your calendar to attend on Saturday, May 19 at Antioch Park.

This family-fun festival includes activities such as a 5K run/walk, pancake breakfast, parade, arts and crafts vendors, food, music and entertaiment, children's petting zoo and activities, plus much more!

The parade committee has already begun preparations to coordinate the festival's parade route.  Themed, "A Salute to Freedom," citizens, elected officials, businesses, military and school groups, performers and non-profit groups are encouraged to submit a parade entry by May 1.

That's the theme of the 24th annual National Tourism Week (May 12-20th, 2007), and the Merriam Visitors Bureau will be participating on Thursday, May 17, 2007 by welcoming visitors to our front door!