Owensboro is launching a geocaching attraction this weekend, and it is expected to be just the first step in a long-term investment to boost the local economy with avid fans of the recreational activity from around the world.
The actual launch event featuring specific activities for Owensboro’s “Barbecue, Bourbon and Bluegrass” was postponed until next year, but at least 300 families are still expected to roll through this weekend as the tour begins according to event organizers.
Themed caches will be hidden in Smothers Park and possibly other locations in the City, and each will have a positive message as well as note about Owensboro’s role in barbecue, bourbon and bluegrass.
“As an attraction, this is going to be a long-term, semi-permanent fixture within the park that we’re expecting to be there for a couple years,” said Jesse Tuttle, executive director of AFK Geocaching.
Mark Calitri, president of the Owensboro-Daviess County Convention & Visitors Bureau, said it’s important to continue to find new and innovative ways to drive visitors into Owensboro.
“I’ve been trying to lure Jesse and AKF Geocaching to come for a site visit for over three years,” said Calitri, who has worked with Tuttle for several years. “He finally came, and he was just blown away with our riverfront and our restaurants, and the way the community received him.”
Tuttle admitted he had low expectations prior to his arrival because geocaching tours typically have the most success in major cities, but he was quickly impressed. He noted the riverfront’s appeal, unique local attractions, and the quick access to everything.
“Within the first 12 hours, we were jacked. We were sold,” he said. “It was the experience that I wish that I could provide in more big cities when we do big-city events. You have one of the best experiences that a visitor could enjoy anywhere in the country right there on your riverfront. … It was phenomenal. It’s kind of like you have modern conveniences and opportunities as a great tourism destination with an old river town feel.”
Calitri said geocaching is an ideal activity to bring to Owensboro right now because it sets itself up for social distancing and it’s an outside recreation.
Plus, Calitri said, geocachers are the types of tourists most likely to populate local restaurants and businesses.
“These cachers are adventurous by nature,” he said. “They want to get out in the community. They’re looking for great restaurants and they’re looking for innovative and fun things to do. They’re not looking for the chain restaurants. They’re looking for the local flair.”
This could just be the start of Owensboro getting into the geocaching game. Calitri said they are hoping to win a bid to host the world’s largest geocaching festival — GeoWoodstock XIX — in 2022.
Tuttle said the investment is incredibly low for a city to delve into geocaching, especially compared to the potentially high economic return.
“It’s a great way to attract people from all over the world to put yourself on the global map as a destination for an activity that has more than a million active users a year,” he said. “The GeoTour is the perfect opportunity to get their foot in the door and put Owensboro on the map.”
