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23 local groups awarded county lodging tax grants

(Photo above of Leavenworth Summer Theatre by Visit Chelan County)

 

On Dec. 18, Chelan County commissioners approved the awarding of nearly $320,000 in lodging tax dollars to a variety of tourist-related organizations.

Lodging tax dollars are generated by local lodging establishments. In Chelan County, half the money generated in a year is allocated to six local chambers as well as Ohme Gardens, the Cascade Loop and TREAD. Another portion is used to operate the county’s Visit Chelan County campaign.

The remaining money is offered annually in the form of grants to tourist-related organizations, such as festivals and museums. The county’s Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) reviews these applications for the funding, making its recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners.

“LTAC budgeted $280,000 for this round of 2024 grant applications,” said Commissioner Tiffany Gering, who chairs the nine-member advisory committee. “The committee recommended allocating nearly $40,000 more because of the quality of applications that came in. These dollars are an investment in our communities and the organizations that play a vital role in our tourism-dependent economy.”

In 2024, 23 groups and nonprofit agencies will receive a portion of the $319,681 allocated in grants. They will use the money in a variety of efforts, from marketing and outreach to new and well-established festivals to museum exhibits and event guest speakers and entertainment. The recipients are:

  • Cascade Community Markets: $20,000 for the Leavenworth and Cashmere Community Farmers Markets
  • Cashmere Museum & Pioneer Village: $12,200
  • Chelan Boys Basketball Boosters: $1,580 for the East-West Classic Tournament
  • Icicle Creek Center for the Arts: $20,000 for Music in the Meadow Summer Concerts
  • Lake Chelan Arts Council: $5,500
  • Lake Chelan Bach Fest: $12,500
  • Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce: $10,000 for the Lake Chelan Wine and Jazz Festival
  • Lake Chelan Wine Alliance: $35,000 for the Experience Wine in Washington’s Paradise event
  • Leavenworth Summer Theater: $30,000 for the 30th anniversary season
  • Leavenworth Village Voices: $7,150 for 2024 Christmas choral performances
  • Manson Chamber of Commerce: $5,000 for a pickleball tournament
  • Northwest Accordion Society: $3,000 for the Leavenworth International Accordion Celebration
  • Numerica Performing Arts Center: $17,400 for marketing efforts for the 2023-2024 season
  • Stehekin Heritage: $3,500 for the Stehekin Guidebook
  • TREAD: $20,000 for the 2024 Washington State Trails Conference in Wenatchee
  • Two Rivers Medieval Faire: $4,351
  • Upper Valley Historical Society: $12,000 for the Greater Leavenworth Museum
  • Wenatchee River Bluegrass Festival: $15,000
  • Wenatchee River Institute: $8,000 for the Leavenworth Spring Bird Fest
  • Washington State Autumn Leaf Festival Association: $15,000
  • Wenatchee Valley Chamber of Commerce: $20,000 for the Rails and Ales event in Wenatchee
  • Wenatchee Valley Museum & Cultural Center: $25,000
  • Wenatchee Valley Velo Club: $17,500 for the annual Tour de Bloom cycling event

LTAC calls for grant applications twice a year. Events and marketing grants open annually on Sept. 1 and are due on Oct. 15. Capital grants open annually on Feb. 1 and are due on March 15. Watch the Chelan County website for the upcoming call for capital grants.

Last Updated: 01/29/2024 04:07 PM

Chelan County Calendar

Upcoming events and schedules at the county!

  • 18
    Dec 2024
    01:00 PM - 03:00 PM

    Hearing Examiner - December 18, 2024

    Posted by: Community Development

    By Zoom Video Conference or in person
  • 18
    Dec 2024
    06:00 PM - 09:00 PM

    Planning Commission - December 18, 2024

    Posted by: Community Development

    400 Douglas Street
  • 11
    Dec 2024
    10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

    Chelan County Civil Service Commission

    Posted by: Human Resources

    The Chelan County Civil Service Commission will be meeting on December 11, 2024.

    Chelan County Commissioners Office, CM Conference Room 1
  • 04
    Dec 2024
    09:00 AM - 11:00 AM

    Hearing Examiner - December 4, 2024

    Posted by: Community Development

    Chelan County Administrative Building or zoom
  • 26
    Nov 2024
    09:30 AM - 10:30 AM

    Public Meeting: Public Canvassing Board Meetings

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    The Canvassing Board of Chelan County, pursuant to RCW 29A.60.160, will hold public meetings at the dates and times listed below. The meetings of the Canvassing Board are open, public meetings under the applicable provisions of chapter 42.30 RCW, and each meeting shall be continued until the activity for which the meeting is held has been completed.

    Chelan County Auditor’s Office