Eureka continues building vibrant event and tourism scene 

Though Eureka County has the second-lowest population in Nevada, the area features a storied history and outdoor beauty that attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world. Eureka is an essential stop along the “Loneliest Road in America,” Highway 50, and local efforts are leveraging that distinction to grow events and tourism in the community. 

Recently, the county contracted with Errol Porter as a social media specialist. Born and raised in Eureka, Porter graduated from UNLV with a degree in journalism and media studies and works as a marketing manager for White Pine County Tourism and Recreation. His experience over the last seven years in the neighboring county and his familiarity with his hometown are helping him build a megaphone to amplify the events and attractions Eureka County offers. 

“As someone is going across the country on a road trip, and they find Highway 50, it’s a matter of catching their attention beforehand and while they’re in town to say, ‘This is a place that you need to stop at, get into, go to our local businesses, look into our calendar of events and maybe schedule your road trip just around what’s going on in the area at the time,’” Porter said. He added that former tourism director Dana Lee Fruend built a social media presence that he can use and expand to promote a growing list of local events. 

Such events are made possible by various civic-minded residents who contribute to the upkeep and event curation in the community. This includes Garney Damele of Eureka Restoration Enterprise, who has spearheaded building renovation and beautification efforts. They also include Kristan Umina of Eureka Nevada Main Street, “dedicated to preserving and revitalizing the historic heart of Eureka.” Additionally, the county hired facilities and events manager Brenna Rogne to create and expand events for both residents and visitors. 

“She’s the boots on the ground, wants to get things done,” Porter said. “She is super energetic and has, like, the best personality for that position.” 

Before starting in her new role, Rogne was working at the swimming pool, already doing events like “Flicks and Floats” movie nights.

“I love doing that kind of stuff,” she said. “I love a party, and I like bringing people out.”

Organizing events in Eureka cannot be done in silos. Community members, businesses and organizations coordinate and collaborate to make things happen. The most recent example happened on June 27, when Eureka hosted a Heritage Festival as a lead-up to America’s 250th Anniversary. The schedule included “Pony Express Stick Horse Races,” chalk art, Duckwater Shoshone Tribe drum and dance, “Redneck Olympics,” games, vendors and concluded with “Battle of the Bands” and DJ music. 

“It’s mostly just to get people out, have something to do, something local, and promote…the local businesses…getting people in their shops, getting the hotel rooms filled up,” Rogne said. She added that the recreation board covered the costs of raffle items provided by local businesses, so the event could be a net positive for the owners. Rogne plans to make the event an annual tradition, and anticipates it will grow into a premier regional music and arts festival.

“We hope it just keeps growing, because the Battle of the Bands is something I want to eventually turn this into…be a music festival and arts festival kind of thing,” she said. 

Such an achievement will follow in the footsteps of the annual Art, Wine & Music Fest. Put on by Damele and Eureka Restoration every September, the event celebrated its 10th year last year. Activities include a wine walk, live music, art in the park, raffle prizes and a 5K/10K trail run. Revenue earned is used for downtown beautification projects, including murals and flowers found on Main Street. Eureka Restoration is currently focused on Masonic Lodge renovations.

Meanwhile, another successful Independence Day celebration, put on by the Eureka Volunteer Fire Department, joined with the rest of the nation in celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The celebration began with the annual parade, followed by street competitions and concluding with an impressive fireworks display. Upcoming events include the Eureka County Fair, Aug. 6-9, the already mentioned Art Wine & Music Fest, Sept. 19, the Eureka VFW Car Show, Sept. 25-26, and several musical performances.

“We’ve got Doug Figs coming,” Rogne said. “He’s a country singer/songwriter; he’ll be here July 24. And then we’ve got the Dirty Cellist coming October 17…I’ve got an America tribute band coming on September 25, and they’ll be out at the fairgrounds.”  

This growing slate of events, combined with Eureka’s well-maintained historic buildings and natural surroundings, positions the community as a bigger player in the road-trip tourism scene. Additionally, the events are designed to add to the appeal of living here. 

“People recognize the importance of tourism and visitor spending and want Eureka to be more in the arena and have more things to do,” Porter said. “Because they also recognize, I think, that things that are good for tourists are also good for locals.”

He added, “It’s just a matter of…keeping the momentum going, trying to keep the ball rolling and making sure that all the efforts that locals have volunteered their time for and that some county employees have been hired for just keep going down the road and in the right direction.”

Details on upcoming events are available at VisitEurekaNevada.net or @VisitEurekaNevada on Facebook or Instagram.