McKinney will be crawling with tourists the week of May 10-18, but not just those from outside the city. Rather, the McKinney Convention & Visitors Bureau is encouraging McKinney residents to step out of their homes and neighborhoods to see the city we all share during National Tourism Week .. in other words, “Be a Tourist in Your Own Town!”

“We’re hosting two contests in the coming weeks to help prompt the ‘locals’ to see the sites close to home. It just makes sense, with the ever-rising gas prices hitting budgets hard,” said MCVB Executive Director Diann Bayes. “In fact, I’ve noticed more Texas tourism TV ads being broadcast right here in-state lately, so even state entities and agencies are recognizing people are staying closer to home for vacations and weekend getaways.”

The first contest, a “Great American Traditions in McKinney” photo contest, begins May 10 and runs through July 15. Individuals and families can submit candid photos to the MCVB depicting people having fun out about in McKinney. All photos become the property of the MCVB to be used on the Web site (www.VisitMcKinney.com) and in ad campaigns. An entry form is available online and can be submitted in person or via e-mail to info@visitmckinney.com. A drawing will be held at the conclusion of the contest to determine the winner of a digital camera being donated by the “green” Wal-Mart Supercenter on Redbud.

The second contest is a scavenger hunt being held just during National Tourism Week. The MCVB and KLAK 97.5 FM radio are hosting a joint promotion to encourage “at home” tourism in McKinney.
Starting on Monday, May 12, a series of clues will be broadcast on KLAK and posted at VisitMcKinney.com, with a new clue being provided each day.

“The clues will lead people on a treasure hunt around McKinney in search of a rock, hidden somewhere within the city limits, that bears the MCVB and KLAK logos,” Bayes said.  “The lucky person who finds the rock needs to bring it to the Visitors Center  to claim the prize.”
 
The “Tourism Rocks” prizes are valued at close to $2,000 and include admission to various McKinney attractions, a flex ticket to McKinney Blue Thunder baseball games, dining at Goodhues Wood Fire Grill and Bostons Gourmet Pizza, lodging at the Grand Hotel on the downtown square, a spa package at Cooper Spa in Craig Ranch, bottles of wine from Landon Winery and Wales Manor Vineyard & Winery, a gift basket from Mom & PopCorn, an autographed poster from Olympic athlete and McKinney business owner Michael Johnson, and more. (Due to the alcohol content of the prize, the winner must be at least 21 years old (proof of age required). 

Complete contest details, photo submission form and other information including the daily clues can be found on the MCVB Web site, VisitMckinney.com, by clicking on the green starburst on the homepage. More information is also available by calling the Visitor Center at (214) 544-1407.

Visitors and residents stopping in at the MCVB Visitor Center (321 N. Central Expressway, Suite 101) during that week will receive tourism-themed goodies and a plethora of information including new specialized niche brochures and fun things for the kids.