Fernley tourism board awards $79,612 to local events, refers one‑time 25th‑anniversary funding to council

The Fernley Convention and Tourism Authority on Monday voted to distribute $79,612.33 in tourism‑grant awards to nine local groups and referred a request for a one‑time Transient Lodging Tax budget augmentation for Fernley’s 25th‑anniversary activities to the Fernley City Council for final approval.

The awards announced after presentations and scoring included $15,500 for the Friendly Youth Softball Tournament, $11,000 for the Fernley Junior High and High School Rodeo, $6,700 for the Reno Over‑The‑Hill Gang Nationals motocross event, $6,400 for the Nevada Veterans Coalition Memorial Day program, $4,000 for the Fernley Community Foundation’s Polaris Plaza activation, $13,333.33 for Fernley Aces’ arts and culture programming, $5,279 for a proposed Fernley public market, $10,000 for the Fourth of July committee’s advertising and materials, and $7,400 for the Boys & Girls Club Passport to Party fundraiser. The board recorded the total award‑cycle payout as $79,612.33.

Why it matters: Board members said the grants support events that bring hotel stays and outside spending into Fernley, bolstering restaurants, retailers and service businesses. During presentations, organizers emphasized youth and veteran engagement, return hotel occupancy, and plans to expand events that draw regional visitors.

Presentations and board comments "This is a huge event for the city…