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Baker County TDC approves grants for local events and funds new visitor guide
Summary
The Baker County Tourist Development Council approved funding for three local events — Beat the Heat ($3,800), Spring Blooms Market ($1,500) and the Independence Day celebration ($15,000) — and agreed to provide $8,000 toward a 2026 destination guide produced by the Chamber of Commerce.
The Baker County Tourist Development Council on Tuesday approved grants for several community events and agreed to fund a new visitor guide intended to draw nonresident visitors to the county.
During new business, organizers described their events and request amounts. Sunny Phillips, who said she organized the Beat the Heat Bulls and Barrels rodeo, asked the council for $3,800 to cover advertising and event costs, noting $800 of the ask covers EMS staffing. "We brought in one of our vendors — he was actually 1,400 miles from home," Phillips said, describing out-of-state participants and multi‑day stays. Commissioners discussed EMS pricing and advertising reach before voting to approve the request.
Christina Powell of Little Ladies Events and Entertainment requested $1,500 to promote the Spring Blooms Market scheduled for April 11 and to purchase reusable signage. Powell told the council her event had about 91 vendors committed and that admission would be free. The council approved the $1,500 request by voice vote.
Dylan Pulling, the new executive director of the Baker County Chamber of Commerce, asked the TDC to continue funding the county's Independence Day celebration. Pulling said the requested $15,000 increase was primarily for advertising and logistical support; he added that fireworks are being donated. After a brief discussion of parking and attendance tracking, the council approved the chamber’s request.
Pulling also presented a separate request for $8,000 to produce a 28–32 page Discover Baker County destination guide with both print (3,000 copies) and digital distribution. "The majority of the increase that we're requesting ... does fall under the advertisement," Pulling said, explaining the Chamber’s plan to use targeted social media and entry‑point signage to reach visitors. Council members asked for the ability to review drafts, for standardized guide dimensions, and for post‑event attendance data; the council approved the $8,000 request.
The actions taken were procedural votes by the council during the meeting. No formal opposition was recorded on any of the items.
The council asked staff to follow up with organizers for post‑event data and with the Chamber on guide dimensions and draft review. The next steps include event reporting and coordination on distribution of the printed and digital guide.
