The summer travel season officially arrived over the Memorial Day weekend, and the Dawes County Travel Board has approved more than $21,500 in promotional grants since January.
“Our events and festivals are a big part of the travel season as friends and family return to the area, and newcomers discover our unique events,” said Discover Northwest Nebraska Director Kerri Rempp. “Our promotion grant program assists the organizations, nearly all of which run on volunteer labor and donations, in marketing the events to a wider audience.”
Several entities putting together festivities for the Crawford 4th of July celebration were awarded funds. The Western Wildlife Art Show at Fort Robinson State Park Veterinary Building received $5,000, while the Old West Trail PRCA Rodeo received $4,500. The Crawford Chamber also received $2,000.
Fur Trade Days, Inc., was awarded $4,000, and the Classics in the Park Car Show, which takes place during Fur Trade Days, received $2,343. Fur Trade Days is July 11-14 this year.
The Peabody Hale Fiddle Contest, scheduled for late July, was awarded $2,100.
Two events already in the books also received funding. The Chadron Arts Center’s Sip Chadron event was awarded $1,000, and the Northwest Nebraska Trails Association received $600 for its annual volksmarch.
The Dawes County Travel Board considers promotion grant applications at its monthly meetings and also has grant programs for infrastructure improvements at tourism-related properties and merchandising incentives. The latter two programs are considered on a quarterly basis. For information about eligibility, grant guidelines and how to apply, visit https://discovernwnebraska.com/dawes-county-grants/ or email Rempp at director@discovernwnebraska.com.
The grants are funded by lodging taxes paid to the county by visitors staying in hotels, motels, campgrounds and other facilities.