It’s unclear how Country Stampede’s impending move out of Topeka will impact the festival, though a return to Manhattan is not out of the question.

In a statement late last week, Visit Manhattan Director Marcia Rozell noted her office had received a request for proposal (RFP) from entities representing the annual summer concert festival to determine Manhattan’s interest in hosting the festival again. Country Stampede left Manhattan in 2019, after more than two decades at Tuttle Creek State Park, with officials citing flood concerns. Rozell says the economic impact on Manhattan was extremely important and the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce played a significant role in its ongoing success, but adds the logistics of holding such an event requires a significant commitment from the community.

The Chamber plans to work with regional partners including the City of Manhattan and Tuttle Creek State Park to determine a best response to the RFP.