Weston tourism committee approves $2,000 for Mong New Year and $10,000 for Midwest Bowlfest

The Village of Weston Tourism Committee voted to approve two tourism grants: $2,000 to Wasa Area Mong New Year, Inc., and $10,000 to Dell's Weston Lanes for the Midwest Bowlfest.

An event representative who identified themselves as "Blood" described the Mong New Year celebration as an annual cultural event that has in past years drawn "about eight or nine thousand people" from across Wisconsin and other states. The applicant said the group had blocked roughly 20 rooms at the Fairfield in Weston (one block representing about 74 room‑nights) and asked the committee for $2,000 to support the 2025 celebration. Committee members asked whether Rothschild funding was also being sought; the applicant said Rothschild support was expected and that a postevent report was attached to the application. A motion to approve the $2,000 grant carried by voice vote.

The committee also approved a $10,000 grant to Dell's Weston Lanes for the Midwest Bowlfest. Applicant Dale Ellie described the three‑day event (Oct. 10–12) as a youth, women's and men's tournament that organizers expect to draw bowlers and spectators from the Midwest. Ellie said the event team had signed a top professional bowler and estimated "just spectator wise over 500 probably per day"; organizers estimated roughly 400 room‑nights for the weekend across multiple hotel blocks and said the finals would be livestreamed. The $10,000 motion was approved by voice vote.

Both grants were approved by voice vote; the committee did not record a roll‑call tally. Recipients were invited to coordinate postevent reporting and to share additional lodging and spectator data with staff.