This month, we’re celebrating our 30th anniversary! Our 30th birthday was just a few days ago on Friday. As part of the festivities, we’ve launched the 30 Stories for 30 Years interview series. We’ve been meeting with former OVC Board members, and some others who have been along for the ride. We’re reflecting on three decades of tourism and considering what the future may hold. Join us, as we look back on local tourism’s evolution, some Ottawa Visitors Center history, and a special guest’s unique perspectives.

Our special guest this entry is Rachael Black. Rachael served as our Board president at the OVC for a time. She got us started with some opening words and told us about when she first moved to Ottawa.

“I’m not from here, so there’s a lot I don’t know. I look forward to hearing and seeing what the future comes with the tourism and how much everything is growing. The economy is not great right now, but that doesn’t mean that it’s going to stay that way. And the future is still bright,” she said.

“I moved to Ottawa and a month later, everything shut down. I moved here right before COVID happened. I worked in senior care at the time, so I was working in Morris and commuting. It wasn’t until I didn’t want to do another winter, and so I took the management position over at the Fairfields. And then I worked with Mike Cage, a former board member, who actually got me in touch with Donna. And it was game over from there,” Rachael explained.

“I’ve enjoyed everyone with the visitor center. Obviously then I got super sick during my term. And and honestly, if it wasn’t for Donna and some of the board members and the staff to help me through and just be there… it’s been a nice little family.”

To celebrate our 30th anniversary, we’re looking back on Rachel’s time in Ottawa. Her experiences as having moved to Ottawa within the last 6 years gives her story some unique perspectives. So, we first discussed if Rachael has a favorite event or attraction in town. Ottawa is known for its quality events and renowned attractions after all.

“My first event here in Ottawa that I ever attended was the Third Friday, which was awesome. I do enjoy that, and I love the Farmer’s Market. And Chris Kringle. I like so many events. I was really sad about Smoketoberfest. And my eight-year-old looks forward to Kites in Flight every year. I like the community awareness, it’s really nice. the atmosphere of everyone. Drinking with Lincoln, too,” Rachael said.

We’d have to agree with Rachael, we like so many events too! Ottawa’s host of events for a variety of ages can really speak to tourists. They offer so many great activities for everyone to enjoy. We next asked Rachael what tourism in relation to Ottawa, means to her.

“Well, think about it. How many fun facts in Ottawa is there? There’s an actual number. I learned that when I did a tour with Aussem… I wish everybody realized how much this town actually does bring. The UAW, for example, is one of them. Think of all the fun facts on that place and the history that is on that property alone. And it’s just gorgeous out there anyways. Nobody even knows about because it’s not open to the public. So, Ottawa has one of their, like, training sessions, they have two big conferences every year… and you’ll see everybody wearing red shirts walk around and they are in classrooms, learning or doing training sessions. But it is a very cool place. So the one here in Ottawa was the first place where they African Americans and white people mingled and kids played together because race didn’t matter. And there’s so many pictures just on the property. It’s really amazing. So a doctor used to live on the property, there’s a little house that’s on the property because his one daughter was with special needs. The history is really awesome. I wish more people knew about it,” she said.

There’s so much history in Ottawa to learn about. We’ve already learned about some throughout these interviews! Given that we’re looking back on our past, we asked Rachael how she feels tourism has changed and come along during her time in Ottawa.

“I can tell you what I see from previously working in hospitality is… the amount of people that love coming to Ottawa for the history, whether it’s going out to Starved Rock and seeing the eagles, or whether it’s walking downtown and seeing the statues, or the Reddick Mansion.”

As we’ve seen, Ottawa’s rich history is a fascinating draw to the area. There is always something to learn about, for locals and tourists alike. Recent history still draws people in too, as Ottawa has had many events and attractions from throughout the years that are still remembered fondly today. We asked Rachael if there were any former events or attractions that she’d like to see make a return.

“From the last 30 years to come back… some variation of [Wine Fest], I agree to that,” she said.

“Wine Fest was a popular event with people from all over the state. Ottawa is an adaptable city and always looking to what’s coming next. The next big thing could be an old event, given new life, or a brand new exciting event. The future is full of opportunities for Ottawa, and we can’t wait to keep sharing them with you! To close out our interview, we asked Rachael if she had any final thoughts on looking ahead for Ottawa tourism.

“Any words on looking to the future is just to keep your head up. And I can’t wait to see what Ottawa has to bring. I know that there’s a lot of good things and positive outlooks coming to town, and I can’t wait for everybody else to realize that as well. To make it much safer, more welcoming, which it is already pretty welcoming,” Rachael said.

We’re so grateful for 30 years in the Middle of Everywhere and those who have gotten us here. Many thanks to Rachael! Stay tuned for more interviews and updates as we continue to celebrate our 30th anniversary. You can find more on our Facebook page and the rest of our blog.