Big events and many other attractions were virtually shut down this year. Now, their organizers are getting some financial help. This week, state officials announced the recipients of the Arts, Cultural and Destination Marketing Organization Grant.
Locally, the Marshall County Blueberry Festival got over $32,600, while the Marshall County Convention & Visitors Bureau received over $26,000.
At the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum in North Judson, museum treasurer Robert Barcus said in a statement that they weren’t able to run trains for months but they still had to pay for things like utilities and insurance. They also had to take extra precautions once they were able to reopen. Museum officials say the grant funding they received of just over $12,900 will help them cover those expenses.
Almost $6,000 went to the Starke County Youth Club, while the North Judson Mint Festival got nearly $1,400.
During Wednesday’s COVID-19 briefing, Lieutenant Governor Suzanne Crouch said the grants are part of a new partnership between the Indiana Destination Development Corporation and the Indiana Arts Commission. “We appreciate the work that has been put in to helping preserve our annual community events, festivals, fairs and expos, and other gatherings because these events are essential to communities to improve the quality of life and elevate and maintain local arts and cultural organizations during these very trying times,” Crouch said.
Almost $10 million was awarded to 479 organizations around the state, with money from the federal CARES Act.
