The Fremont County Tourism Council today awarded $7,000 in grants to support community projects and events in 2009 which attract visitors to Fremont County. Tourism Council by-laws require that at least five percent of the annual proceeds from the county's two percent lodging tax be distributed to non-profits for use in promoting local community events. But with a downturn in lodging tax revenues in 2008 fewer dollars were available this year for the community grants.
The Tourism Council decided to focus their financial assistance on seven key events in the county in 2009. The grant awards include:
The Tourism Council decided to focus their financial assistance on seven key events in the county in 2009. The grant awards include:
Canon City Music and Blossom Festival: $1,000
Fremont Heritage Commission's 'On the Road' tour (in late Sept): $1,000
Penrose Apple Day: $1,000
Florence Chamber of Commerce production of video & brochure: $2,000
Royal Gorge Lions Club 'Brain Freeze': $500
Belvedere Blues Fest: $1,500
The Tourism Council last fall received requests from fifteen organizations seeking over $30,000 in promotional assistance for their events. In 2008 the Tourism Council was able to award $15,000 in community grants funding.