Visitors Commission hears $16,000 Flat Creek sponsorship request and multiple event grant applications, schedules executive meeting

The Scott County Visitors Commission on Monday heard multiple event funding requests and agreed to defer award decisions to an executive meeting scheduled Monday at 10:00 a.m.

Flat Creek Farms asked the commission to sponsor its 2026 events, describing a two-track request: $1,000 for each of four wedding-related promotional events and $1,500 per sanctioned horse show across eight weekend events. “So we’re asking $1,000 per event for advertising,” said Speaker 8, the Flat Creek Farms representative; she added the overall sponsorship would include banners, flyers and Facebook advertising and that the venue currently hosts more than 500 visitors for a typical horse show and about 200 horses. Flat Creek described facility investments — lights ($15,000), arena paneling ($10,000), sand ($2,300) and arena prep costs (~$6,000) — and said those improvements enable regional draws.

A presenter for a returning Mayberry-themed festival (Speaker 9) reviewed the event’s regional reach and rising costs, saying the festival previously drew an estimated 3,500–4,000 attendees and generated roughly 210 room nights per weekend for area hotels. The organizer said lodging cost per room night rose from about $96 in 2023 to roughly $169 for planned 2026 bookings and outlined plans tied to Andy Griffith’s centennial, including nationally syndicated radio interest and a planned book release. The presenter asked the commission to consider financial support but did not state a specific award amount on the floor during the presentation; commissioners questioned whether the festival could become more self-sustaining and noted the commission’s outreach budget limitations.

Old Settlers (Speaker 7) requested $15,000 toward an approximately $20,000 budget for the event’s 148th edition, explaining the fundraiser supports the local volunteer fire department and describing prior years’ revenue sources (an ad book, vendor fees and a 5K). Speaker 2 reported that an Indiana Cruisers application covers a recurring third-Friday vehicle event (April through October) and that the paperwork shows a $3,000 seasonal request; commissioners asked for clarification of line-item uses (door prizes, flyers, advertising).

After questioning from commissioners about prior awards, tiers and program sustainability, the commission did not vote on awards during the public meeting. Instead, commissioners agreed to reconvene in executive session to review materials and make funding decisions; the meeting was scheduled for Monday at 10:00 a.m. to ensure a quorum and time for members to review application packets.

Commissioners also discussed related logistical matters raised by applicants — sponsorship levels and banner placement, potential changes to the commission-owned Santa House if used for thematic programming, and the challenges of managing ticketed versus free events on a public square. The executive session was positioned as the venue to finalize amounts and conditions for any awards.