Tourism impact of Spring Training, Arts and Culture

In the first half of this week’s show, Radio Man (aka Gary Guertin) was outnumbered 4 to 1 as the ArtsFest team and Robin chatted up the now concluded 23rd ArtsFest. From the cadre of volunteers represented by Allison Wigley, the artists represented by this year’s featured artist Meg Winter, Martin County arts community represented by Arts Council of Martin County Nancy Turrell and History Lady, Talkin' Tourism’s co-host (Robin Hicks-Connors) who occupies the arts and culture board position on the Martin County Convention and Visitors Bureau, no stone was left unturned! It is clear that visitors that have a passion for arts and culture, and both are an important “segment” of our overall tourism product. Listen in and gain a clearer understanding of the inner workings of this hallmark event and the passion expressed by our outstanding guests.

Soon the tables were turned as former major league professional and local Martin County icon Rusty Meachum and his two sons Reese and Russell joined the show. Back to a 4 to 1, this time with the 'boys' in charge, the discussion centered around the sport of professional baseball and it’s impact on the Florida tourism scene. With teams moving from Florida, once the spring training mecca, our state has lost ground to other sunny and warm locations such as Arizona. So, at the end of the day, who will prevail, the Cactus League of Arizona or the Grapefruit League of Florida? Only time will tell. Each state’s commitment to promoting this sport in their respective locales will tell the tale. While the economic impact figures were not on the front burner, what was on the front burner was Rusty’s obvious passion for the sport and his commitment to assisting youth in our area excel in this American tradition.

If you missed the show, download it HERE. Talkin' Tourism's goal is to help you stay on top of all things tourism along the Treasure Coast and beyond!

Spring means ArtsFest and Baseball on Florida's Treasure Coast

Daylight Savings Time is back. Hooray! Now we can participate in fun outdoor activites after work, and believe it or not, Saturday is the first day of Spring!

Speaking of Spring, this week’s show will cover Spring Training, the sport of professional baseball, and its impact past, present and future like it has never been covered before. Talkin' Tourism hosts Gary Guertin and Robin Hicks-Connors have the pleasure of welcoming Stuart’s own Rusty Meachum to the show. Rusty was born and raised in Martin County and played all his amateur ball locally. Spanning 18 season’s, Rusty pitched for more than 1,500 innings for teams including the Detroit Tigers, Kansas City Royals, Seattle Mariners and Huston Astros. With numerous teams now selecting Arizona for their spring training, can Florida regain its crown of “Spring Training Capitol”? Robin will give more information on the Elliott Museum’s fabulous baseball memorabilia collection. Could the Elliott become the “Winter Baseball Hall of Fame?" Tune in to hear the discussion.

Are we in Martin County or in the Caribbean? If you join the show this Friday and listen to our special guests representing the Arts Council and ArtsFest describing this weekend’s celebration of the arts in Martin County, then you just could be “limin’ under a palm tree” with your favorite boat drink in hand! This 23rd year of arts celebration will be described in great detail by this year’s featured artist, Meg Winter, Arts Council Executive Director Nancy Turrell and ArtsFest Committee Member Alison Wigley. What's the entertainment?  Rum and Martini Bar? Anything for kids? And, how many artists? Answers to those questions and more on Friday.

Also on tap:  Bahamas update, "This Week in Martin County History," the Treasure Coast's shuffleboard  center, and just about anything else that pops into Gary and Robin’s heads.

The adventure begins at 10 a.m. on Friday, March 19. On the radio, tune to WPSL 1590 AM; via computer, point your browser to http://www.wpsl.com/.