Month: October 2013

Grays Harbor Tourism Announces 2014 Festival & Event Grant and Tourism Services & Project Grant Availability

The Grays Harbor County Department of Tourism is now accepting applications for the two tourism related grant programs. This first is for Festival and Event Grants, and the second is for Tourism Services and Projects. The deadline for applications for both categories is October 31, 2013.

Under State law (RCW 67.28) Grays Harbor County receives funds from room taxes imposed on lodging facilities. These funds can be retained and utilized by the County for Tourism promotional operations, or expended for projects and activities established by an eligible entity under State law.

Grays Harbor Tourism Grant Applications will be accepted from non-profit entities organizing tourism based activities within Grays Harbor County, except those municipalities that are allowed by law to collect and manage 3% lodging tax revenues generated within their corporate limits. Grant funding is provided increase tourism activity within Grays Harbor County. The Grays Harbor Tourism Department allocates over $120,000 in grant funds annually.

“We are very fortunate that our County Commissioners have continued to support the funding of this Grant Program. They understand that Tourism is vital to Grays Harbor’s economic success.” said Kelly Peterson-Lalka, GH Tourism Public Relations/Office Manager. “Tourism results in over $260 million dollars of revenue and over 5,000 jobs for Grays Harbor County. When we support tourism, our local communities reap the rewards in tax revenue, jobs and community infrastructure. It is a win-win.”

Applications for Grant Funding are available for download for Festivals and Events here, or Services and Projects here. If you would like an application mailed to you, contact Kelly Peterson-Lalka at 360-482-2651 or etersonk@co.grays-harbor.wa.us.

Cranberry Festival Welcomes All!

GRAYLAND, WA – A full weekend of cranberry-themed events will fill the activity calendar on October 12 & 13 in the seaside town of Grayland in south Grays Harbor County.

 

“This October will be the 20th anniversary of the Cranberry Harvest Festival,” said Leslie Eichner, executive director of the Westport/Grayland Chamber of Commerce. “So, we’ve planned a big celebration to match the occasion.”

 

Both Saturday and Sunday are filled with food and fun events plus bus tours of the cranberry bogs and a fun run. If you’ve ever wondered where those tart red berries come from, and how they are harvested, this truly American festival is not to be missed,” Eichner added.

 

  • Early on Saturday, a cranberry breakfast is scheduled from 8 a.m. to noon at the South Beach Christian Center, located at 1360 SR 105, in Grayland.
  • Entertaining and informative bog tours that bring you face-to-face with the local growers will leave by bus throughout the weekend from the Grayland Community Hall & Cranberry Heritage Center. It’s located at 2071 Cranberry Rd., Grayland. Tickets are $7.50 per person.1
  • ‪The illuminated Firefly Parade rolls at 8 p.m., leaving from the Community Hall, traveling north along SR 105 and finishing at the Grayland Fire Hall.
  • The Community Hall is ground zero for the festival. Entries for the annual Cranberry Cook-Off are accepted until 8 p.m., Friday, October 11th. Medal award-winners will be on display there on Saturday and Sunday.
  • Taste local baked goods and check out local crafts at the Community Hall. Or, purchase a pass to taste the “cranberry bites” featuring a wide range of berry treats, available for sale on both Saturday and Sunday.
  • Sunday’s “Bog Jog” fun run begins at 9 a.m. at the Community Hall and is routed along the cranberry bogs to the Pacific Ocean Beaches. Run registration for the Bog Jog begins on Saturday from 2-4 p.m. and Sunday from 7-8:30 a.m.
  • Live music during the festival will be provided by Bob Gorton, Eileen Pinkerton and Virgil Stroeheon.

 

(Sidebar)“The cranberries that grow along the Washington coast are low, creeping shrubs or vines up to 7 ft. long and 2 to 8 in. in height. Grown in bogs that are flooded at harvest time, the cranberries have slender, wiry stems with small evergreen leaves and abundant fruit,” said Mike Bruner of Grays Harbor County Tourism. “The cool, damp weather along the coast is perfect for cranberry cultivation. It’s an usual and informative experience that is unique to Grayland.”

 

The Harvest Festival schedule of events and entertainment will be posted onwww.westportcam.com as updates happen.