The Tourism Asset Development (TAD) program is a voluntary program that is unique to Wind River Country. The Wind River Visitors Council gives 25 percent of the local lodging tax back to the communities in the percentage that they contribute to the lodging tax. Depending on occupancy rates, these numbers are constantly changing. These funds are distributed by the Lander Chamber of Commerce; the City of Riverton; and the Towns of Dubois, Hudson and Shoshoni to market the communities. Marketing efforts may include events, grants, educational programs and more.
Following is a report from the Town of Shoshoni on its 2024 spending:
The 2024 Tourism Asset Development funding received by the Town of Shoshoni was made available for local organizations to promote events designed to increase visitation and economic activity within Shoshoni and Fremont County. The Town of Shoshoni received 10 applications requesting funding. These requests came from seven different organizations, and eight applications were approved.
The TAD funding helped support various types of activities in and around Shoshoni ranging from basketball, a haunted house, concerts and more. The Shoshoni Hot Summer Nights 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament saw teams from Wyoming, South Dakota, Montana and Utah come to Fremont County for the two-day event. Fast Lane reported the second-highest daily convenience store sales in history and the second-highest weekend sales totals.
The Wind River Flywheelers hosted their annual historic tractor show, which drew traveling visitors from across the country to stop and check out the tractors and enjoy music and food.
The Shoshoni Recreation Department hosted its annual Haunted House at the Senior Center. This yearly event draws people from across Fremont County and beyond, as it is the best Haunted House production in the area.
For those adrenaline seekers and those who just like to legally drive fast, the Crossroads of Wyoming group hosted two 1/8 mile speed trials. Complete with radar and trophies, this event saw many custom-built vehicles and attracted racers from outside Fremont County.
The continued support from the Wind River Visitors Council and TAD funding has been vital to organizations hosting events, and it continues to provide tourism and visitation to Shoshoni and all of Fremont County.
