LOCAL EVENTS SUPPORTED BY TOURISM GRANT FROM VISITORS BUREAU

Brian Fisher, Darke County Horseshoe Pitchers Club; Deanna York, Darke County Visitors Bureau; and Bill Gunkle, Annie Oakley Days Festival Committee. Not pictured: Ken DeMange, Versailles Alumni Association.

GREENVILLE, OH (March 30, 2012) – The Darke County Visitors Bureau released the names of the recipients of the 2012 Darke County Tourism Grant, today. This year, three recipients were chosen. They are: Annie Oakley Days Festival Committee for Annie Oakley Festival, Darke County Horseshoe Pitchers Club for Ringer Classic and Versailles High School Alumni Association for FareFest 2012.

“With the award of these grants, the bureau has taken another step toward achieving its mission of enhancing the economic growth of Darke County through the promotion and development of tourism,” stated Larry Boos, President of the Darke County Visitors Bureau Board of Trustees.

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.

“This grant program is designed to encourage creative thinking to gain “new” money from tourist into our community,” stated Executive Director, Deanna York. “Many new ideas and concepts were presented during this process. The bureau encourages local non-profit organizations to continue to think outside the box and apply for this grant.”

To learn more about these events as well as other festivals and activities taking place in Darke County, go on-line to www.VisitDarkeCounty.org.