Applefest in Warwick. Photos provided by Orange County.
The UFO Festival in Pine Bush.
Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus and the county’s Tourism and Film Office have launched a Municipal Tourism Grant program, which will provide municipalities funding as they plan and execute tourism initiatives.
“Orange County has many popular events that generate interest and revenue,” Neuhaus said, “and this grant program allows us to show our support and invest in our communities.”
Grants of up to $4,999 will be awarded. Applications have already been sent out and will be accepted until Oct. 30. Grants will be awarded to municipalities who will use the funds provided for promotion or execution of a tourism event and/or activity that will result in the attraction of visitors to Orange County. Only municipalities may apply.
Examples of how funding can be used include advertising and promotion expenses associated with an event, enhancement of signage and marketing for an event or activity, or website upgrades to make it more user-friendly. Applications will be reviewed by a committee of economic development and tourism professionals from Orange County.
“These events attract visitors to every corner of our beautiful county and stimulate our economies,” said Amanda Dana, Director of Orange County’s Tourism and Film office. “Thank you to the Orange County Legislature for their continued support of our community events.”
For more information about the grants, contact Lisa Santiago in the Orange County Tourism and Film Office at lsantiago@orangecountygov.com or 845-615-3862.