Run For The Wall Riders Want To Stay An Extra Night In Cookeville Next Year

The Run for the Wall’s over-night stops in Cookeville have been so successful that the coordinator wants to stay two nights next year.

The Putnam County Visitors Bureau hosted over 300 motorcycle riders two weeks ago. After completing the trip to Washington D.C., Tourism Director Shan Stout said the riders ranked Cookeville as their favorite spot.

“What really is it about the Cookeville community? What are you drawn to?” Stout said. “And they said we have the support of your public officials. We have the support of the chamber, of the community and we just feel so welcome.”

If scheduled, it would be the only two-night stay on the tour. Stout said the bureau and community leaders are excited for the opportunity. But, Stout said the riders still need to figure the logistics of fitting a two-night stay into what is currently a 10-day road trip.

“They have a few hoops they need to jump through on the Run for the Wall side,” Stout said. “For the itinerary to be a 10-day trip, they need to figure out how to navigate that. So, we were literally in discussions about what we need to do on our side to help them.”

From a community standpoint, Stout said the area is fully capable to house the riders an extra night. Stout said she expects the red carpet to be rolled out once again when the veterans arrive.

“What we would do is reach out to hospitality partners ahead of time and let them have the heads up that this is going to be a two-day stay,” Stout said. “Sam’s Club already has been a big supporter. We usually have the hospitality partners that are around Sam’s Club, and they have very easy access to the parking lot for the next day departure.”