Pure Michigan Fall-Out

Will leaf peepers find Pure Michigan's colorful country roads this season?

Today is the last day of summer and I’m afraid for tomorrow in Michigan.  It is supposed to be the beginning of autumn, but there is no money in the Pure Michigan advertising budget to tell the world about this glorious season in the Great Lakes State. Without advertising dollars to support it, will Michigan’s fall fail?

Roadside pumpkin stand near Gregory

This is a state that promotes its four distinct seasons as a good thing. As well it should. We’ve got a spectacular seasonal display of color to enjoy on scenic drives, hikes, bikes and horseback rides in every part of both peninsulas.

There are wineries to tour, and we have more than our quota of harvest festivals and other special events.

Michigan tourism is asset rich and cash poor.

Greenfield Village interpreters are ready to welcome visitors

We can only hope that the summer ad blitz made such an impression on folks that they will remember Michigan as they plan their getaways. And then there’s the recent flurry of publicity about the cancellation of the fall advertising campaign; the story spread across the land.

Perhaps the articles will prompt the curious to revisit the Travel Michigan website where they can see the award-winning Pure Michigan ads, get up-to-date on the fall color report, and check on lodging deals.

You can see a round-up of the stories about cancellation of the fall campaign at the Promote Michigan website of Dianna Stampfler, a tireless supporter of tourism in the state.

The news about Michigan canceling its fall advertising may be considered negative publicity, but as P.T. Barnum (among others) is quoted, “I don’t care what you say about me as long as you spell my name right.”

It will be interesting to monitor the effect of the Pure Michigan Fall-Out.