Belmont County Tourism Awards 2022 GAP Grants
The Belmont County Tourism Council Board of Directors recently announced the Grant Assistance Program (GAP Grants) have been awarded totaling $100,000 to over 40 non-profit organizations in Belmont County. These grants help “fill in the gap” by financially assisting organizations with events, projects, improvements or maintenance to a tourist attraction or historical site that enhances travel and tourism in Belmont County.
“Many of the recipients would not be able to continue with their community event or attraction if it wasn’t for this grant funding,” said Jackee Pugh, the Executive Director of Belmont County Tourism Council.
Fifteen fairs and festivals were funded this year including Barnesville Pumpkin Festival, Barton Polka Fest, Belmont County Fair, Betty Zane Days, Captina Creekin’ Festival, Christmas in the Village of Powhatan Point, Chautauqua Days in Bethesda, Gospel Festival at Zion, Holloway Old Timers Festival, Martins Ferry’s Strawberry Festival and Winterfest, and the Shadyside Loop Festival.
Some of the 16 events funded include The Barkcamp Race, Barnesville Airport Day, Beast of the East baseball tournament, Belmont Schools Staying Clean Car Show, First Thursdays “Fun in the Ville” in Barnesville, Community Day in the Park (Martins Ferry), Great Western Schoolhouse 150th Anniversary, St. Clairsville Second Saturdays, St. Clairsville Summer Concert Series, St. Clairsville Rotary Club’s Noon Year’s Eve Bash, and The Ohio River Festival.
Belmont County museums and historical attractions that received funding for restoration projects, events, or exhibits include Belmont County Victorian Mansion, Concord Quaker Meetinghouse, Great Western Schoolhouse, National Imperial Glass Museum, Sedgwick House Museum, Stratton Flour Mill, Tri-State Military Veterans Museum, Underground Railroad Museum, and the Watt Center For History & The Arts.
Other projects funded include restoration of the Bethel Church Cemetery, development of a Walking Tour Showcase by the Morristown Historical Preservation Association, creation and installation of an interpretive sign by the Ohio National Road Association, and the creation of a Demonstration Community Garden by the Belmont County Master Gardeners.
The Belmont County Tourism Council’s mission is to bring visitors to the area through the promotion of our events, attractions, and unique experiences. We are optimistic about the future of Belmont County and looking forward to all the upcoming events happening right here, in friendly, beautiful, Belmont County.
About Belmont County Tourism Council, Inc.
Belmont County Tourism Council, Inc. is a non-profit organization believing that the promotion of tourism and economic development is of prime importance. The purpose of the organization is to actively promote the area’s attractions and events and carry-on other duties necessary to promote Belmont County as a great place to visit!
