Milton city officials discussed several opportunities to promote the city to attendees coming to East Milton for the March 7 Tough Mudder event, an internationally represented, 10-mile obstacle course designed by British Special Forces.
The topic came up during the council’s Executive Committee Meeting, Monday, from Councilmember Alan Lowery in a tourism development council (TDC) update. Mayor Wesley Meiss inquired whether the TDC had the funds to organize a concert held in conjunction with the event.
TDC representative Vernon Compton, who was present at the meeting said the issue had previously been brought up before the TDC for recommendation. However, it would be up to the city on how they would go about doing so. Compton said he is definitely in favor of promoting Milton through Tough Mudder.
In addition to organizing a concert in downtown Milton after the one-day Tough Mudder event comes to a close, city officials also suggest possibly placing a booth or promotional table to feature Milton businesses, like restaurants or retail stores.
Councilmember Ashley Lay offered to be present during the Tough Mudder event to serve as a representative for the city.
“This would be a great boost for our city. If this thing is successful, they are going to come back next year. We need to plan this thing out,” Meiss said.
City Manager Brian Watkins told the council city staff would need to know what to plan for in order to proceed with organizing such an event. “We need to know which night, what exactly we are looking for, what time, and basically get an event application form,” Watkins said.
Meiss asked the council members to brainstorm for further ideas at the upcoming committee meetings.
Following the meeting, Compton liked what he heard from the council on the topic. “There was definitely a lot of positive energy coming from the council,” he said.
This is the first year Tough Mudder comes to Florida Panhandle. The event, which will take place at the Ates Ranch in East Milton, is expected to bring in 5,000 or more attendees to the area.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Milton officials discuss promoting city during Tough Mudder