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College Place awards lodging-tax grants, staff previews Winterfest
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Summary
Staff reported seven of eight lodging-tax grant applicants were funded, including a $16,000 general operating grant to the Downtown College Place Association, and previewed the city—s Winterfest event with vendor market, Santa Station and live music.
City events staff reported to the College Place commission on lodging-tax grant awards and detailed an upcoming Winterfest event.
Mary Elizabeth (Miss Garcia) told commissioners that seven of eight lodging-tax grant applications were funded this year. "We got the biggest grant, one of the biggest grants I've ever received personally, for general operating support for $16,000," she said, referring to an award to the Downtown College Place Association. She said Freedom Festival received increased support this year after the visit of a silver-medalist Olympian, and that Fort Walla Walla Museum, Powerhouse Theater and Visit Walla Walla also received general operating support. Walla Walla Movie Crush received $1,000.
Garcia said she had written a grant for event marketing for the city and that funds will support markets in Lions Park and other large-scale events to draw attendees and visitors. Troy Rayburn, the newly introduced city administrator, complimented Mary Elizabeth for her work on public events.
On Winterfest, Garcia described a family-focused program with gifts for every child who attends, an "elfification station," a kids zone run by the firefighters association (Santa Station) with crafts and activities, a two-hour live set by Calico Bones, local food and drink vendors and a parade. She also noted tribal vendors would participate. "Please spread the word," she said, and invited the community to attend.
The commission received the reports and had no additional questions at the time. The Winterfest event details will be part of city event promotions and the marketing grant work Garcia referenced.
