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Darke County
Visitors Bureau awards three grants in 2016
GREENVILLE, OH – The Darke County Visitors Bureau released the names of
the recipients of the 2016 Darke County Tourism Grants. This year,
three recipients were chosen – The Gathering at Garst, Prairie Days,
and YOLO Festival of Races.
“The Gathering at Garst, Prairie Days, and YOLO races all attract folks
from miles away to our community,” stated committee member Lisa Martin.
“They perfectly fit the grant guidelines and we are fortunate to have
events of this caliber right here in Darke County.”
The Gathering at Garst was named “Best Summer Festival” in Ohio for
2016 by the readers of Ohio Magazine and is held the last weekend in
July. The Gathering features juried artists, antique dealers, garden
exhibits, skilled historical craftsmen, live music, and unique food
vendors, and also includes a living history encampment with
participants from the French and Indian War through the Civil War. This
eclectic mix is set amongst the tree-lined grounds of Garst Museum,
which maintains normal operating hours for attendees of the festival.
For more information about the Gathering, contact Garst Museum at
937-548-5250 or online at www.gatheringatgarst.com.
Prairie Days is held at Shawnee Prairie Preserve, just outside of
Greenville, during the last full weekend of September. Focusing on what
pioneer life was like from around 1780-1810, Prairie Days features
crafts, games, and trades of the time period, including cooking apple
butter and other frontier activities. The event is free to attend and
brings in over 4,000 people to the Prairie. For more information about
Prairie Days, or to become a member of the Friends of the Darke County
Parks, call 937-548-0165.
The YOLO Organization, founded by Phillip and Jodi Pierri, strives to
continuously improve the community while bringing together high-energy
people to promote healthy lifestyles and to embrace life to the
fullest. Phillip and Jodi created the YOLO organization because
of their passion to give back to their community. Their events
include the YOLO Festival of Races, Poultry Day’s 5K and the YOLO
Open. All proceeds from these events will be administrated
through the Darke County Foundation. These funds will be used for
community projects throughout Darke County that the entire community
can enjoy.
Funds are made available to non-profit tourism attractions and
organizations sponsoring special events and programs in Darke County.
Grants are awarded on a competitive basis, with primary consideration
given to applications, which: (1) attract overnight visitors; (2)
attract visitors from more than 50 miles outside of Darke County and
(3) feature new or expanded events or programs.
“The great thing about this grant program is that we are empowering
groups to achieve their goal of putting on a successful event, while
bringing people into Darke County to experience all of the fantastic
things we have here,” said Matthew Staugler, Executive Director of the
Darke County Visitors Bureau. “We had a lot of strong applicants this
year, and we encourage other organizations to continue to innovate and
apply for the grant next year.”
To learn more about these events as well as other festivals and
activities taking place in Darke County, please visit
www.VisitDarkeCounty.org.
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