Lowndes Events Get Tourism Grants

PRESS RELEASE

COLUMBUS, Miss. – Columbus-Lowndes Convention and Visitors Bureau (CCVB) is proud to announce Catfish in the Alley, Decorative Arts & Preservation Forum/Antiques Show & Sales, Market Street Festival, DREAM 365-MLK Celebration, and Caledonia Days have been awarded funds from the Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) Tourism Grant Program for the 2013-2014 year.

The CCVB wrote letters of support for each of the programs asking for the MDA to consider them for funding because the events promote cultural and heritage tourism and increases visitor spending for economic growth and quality of life in Lowndes County.

“The Columbus-Lowndes Convention and Visitors Bureau has enjoyed working with each of these events as it generates a positive experience for visitors and the community,” said Nancy Carpenter, CCVB CEO-Executive Director.

The MDA-Tourism Grant Program had $250,000 to award to events statewide. Columbus-Lowndes County events received a total of $16,000 from the grant program: Catfish in the Alley ($4,000), Decorative Arts & Preservation Forum/Antiques Show & Sales ($2,000), Market Street Festival ($4,000), DREAM 365-MLK Celebration ($2,000), and Caledonia Days ($4,000).

“We appreciate the Mississippi Development Authority for appropriating funds for the marketing and advertising of festivals and events in the state of Mississippi. These events will benefit immensely from the grants,” said Carpenter.