On Tuesday, the Washington State Department of Commerce announced 284 successful applicants for over $3.3 million in pandemic relief and recovery grants. The entities receiving the funds come from 36 of Washington’s 39 counties. The announcement was made in conjunction with the Washington Festivals and Events Association and ArtsWA.
The funds will go to support “legacy-level” events — meaning events that have taken place for five or more years — including festivals and other activities in communities with populations of 100,000 or less.
The grants can be used to stabilize depleted budgets or to restart local events suspended in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The awarded grants range in value from $178 to $35,000 and can be used for purchases ranging from temporary fencing to labor costs. The program awarded funds based on need and was made possible through the U.S. Economic Development Administration.
“Festivals and events are important to a community’s sense of place. They bring residents together and visitors from out of town,” said Lisa Brown, director of the Department of Commerce. “Many of these celebrations also support other causes, from local food banks to college scholarship programs. They are an essential part of Commerce’s mission of strengthening communities and growing Washington’s economy.”
Among the recipients of the grants were Lewis County Parks and Recreation, $11,000; the Morton Loggers Jubilee, $11,000; Vader May Day, $5,000; and the City of Rainier, $1,000.
