In addition to being named the best rural attraction in Iowa, the Manning Hausbarn-Heritage Park took home another award for Outstanding Promotional Materials in the rural community’s category. At the annual Tourism Conference, Gaela Wilson, an advertising and promotion specialist with the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IED), said there were a number of promotional items that resulted in the award. Those included materials to promote the 100th birthday of the Leet-Hassler farmstead in May, a photo of a 1,120 pound boar that became a favorite photo opportunity at the Iowa State Fair, six posters detailing the cars owned by Manning’s millionaire playboy, Billy Leet, that were displayed in the farmstead garage and additional posters that provide a timeline of the farmstead and details about the property owners. A Manning downtown business was presented with second-place honors as the Outstanding Retail Experience in communities of 5,000 and under. Jaime Struve England, owner of the Market Place, accepted the award that was then put up for consideration in the People’s Choice award. Other area winners include the Tri City BBQ Fest in Denison which was ranked as an Outstanding Rural Event and an Outstanding New Rural Event award was presented to the community of Elk Horn for the World Aebleskiver Major League Eating Contest.
