2026 Trailblazer Award Recipient

(Gaylord) The Gaylord Area Convention & Tourism Bureau is pleased to announce that the 2026 Trailblazer Award was presented to Kim Awrey and the City of Gaylord. The Tourism Bureau Board of Directors selected Kim Awrey and the City of Gaylord for their innovative concept of maintaining an elk herd within City limits and recent enhancements completed at Elk View Park. The City is also credited with many other ways of going above and beyond the duties of City government to create a more enjoyable community for visitors and residents alike.

The nomination read, “The new viewing area at Elk View Park has completely elevated the elk viewing experience. It’s not only more visually appealing and convenient, with added features like a playground and restrooms, but it is also fully accessible. This ensures that visitors of all abilities can enjoy one of Gaylord’s most unique and longstanding attractions. The recent expansion makes this space welcoming and accessible to everyone. The City has also cared for the elk herd for decades, which is no small responsibility. Maintaining the herd requires ongoing attention and effort, and it’s something that often

goes unrecognized. The Department of Public Works staff not only maintain roads, parks and public spaces, but also take on the role of caring for the elk, which is truly a unique part of what makes Gaylord special.”

Given annually during National Travel and Tourism Week, this award was created to recognize an individual or group who has made a significant contribution to improve the local tourism product within Gaylord/Otsego County and the surrounding area. The honor is intended not only to commend the recipient(s) for their contribution, but also to further raise awareness of the many tourism-related enhancements taking place around us each day.

Past recipients include: 2025 – Pigeon River Discovery Center; 2024 – Jordan Awrey – Downtown Summer Concert Series; 2023 – Kat Steinbrecher - Mary’s Stein Haus, Porter Haus, Abi’s Bistro, Kane’s Lobster Pot; 2022 – Mark Copeland – Jay’s Sporting Goods; 2021 – Scott & Janice Lampert – Sojourn Lakeside Resort, Sugar Bowl historic building, Fairfield Inn; 2021 – Justin Hacker – Gaylord Disc Golf Course; 2020 – Gary Kosch – Alpine Tavern & Otsego Grand Event Center; 2020 – Jerry Beattie – Sled Shed & Gaylord Area Snowmobile Trails Council.

** For more information, please contact Christy Walcott at 989-732-4000 **