In Centre County, tourism is continuing to pay dividends including generating funding that’s distributed to events and organizations that bring in an incerasing number of visitors and more revenue.
For the Fourth of July a parade is in the works in many towns. In State College this year, though paying for a parade became a bit of an issue the until Freedom Rising USA Organization got involved
“Freedom Rising USA is a non-profit funded this year to celebrate America and honor veterans in Centre County”
Freedom Rising USA I receiving a $3000 Tourism Grant to help pay for the parade.
One of dozens of groups receiving tourism grant money this year from Centre County’s hotel and lodging tax
“Today we’re announcing support for 91 projects with a total grant pool of $1.5 million dollars”
The lodging tax, paid by county visitors is shared with tourism related events and organizations, large and small
“If you want to do something with very little money and low budget, ask a thespian. If you’ve ever been involved with theater, we can make money grow”
Stephanie Austin’s Sock and Busking Community Theater Company staged their first performance on a $95.00 budget. They’ll receive a thousand dollar grant joining a growing list of organizations here that since 2003 Have ben awarded more than $10,000,000 in grant funding.
More than likely that number will be increasing. Last year Centre County drawing more than 5 Million visitors with an economic impact of one Billion Dollars.