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Category: Front Page News Front Page News
Published: 17 July 2017 17 July 2017

By Roger Lanse

The Silver City Town Council awarded $180,000 to ten applicants from 2017 Lodgers' Tax funds. According to town staff, the amount recommended by the Lodgers' Tax Advisory Board on its June 14, 2017 informational sheet is the amount awarded.

The Gila River Festival received $3,000 last year, requested $4,500 this year, and was awarded $3,000. The board liked the way marketing materials were presented; presenters and activities seem to be a cut above the rest.

The Silver City MainStreet Project received $10,000 last year, requested $12,900, and was awarded $8,700. Recommend move Taste of Downtown to another weekend, conflicts with one of the busiest weekends for restaurants; like stats from website with age demographics.

Fort Bayard Historic Preservation Society received $2,000 last year, requested $2,000 and was awarded $1,300.

Blue Sky did not participate last year, requested $76,248 this year, and was awarded $0. Suggest that applicant Google "guerilla" not "gorilla" marketing; wanted a lot of funding with no clear outcomes and dependent on other entities to provide the wherewithal; not an appropriate use of Lodgers Tax monies.

Silver City Arts Association received $8,000 last year, requested $8,000 and was awarded $8,000. Great features! Good organization and presentation.

Grant County Rolling Stones received $3,500 last year, requested $4,000 and was awarded $3,000. As always a quality presentation and event.

Festival of the Written Word did not apply last year, requested $5,000 and was awarded $3,000.

Mimbres Region Arts Council received $35,000 last year, requested $24,900 and was awarded $24,000. Shoulder Season event – hope can keep Chocolate Fantasia, Would like to see Print
Fiesta moved to different weekend, make sure Lodgers Tax info is on all materials

Tour of the Gila received $30,000 last year, requested $50,000 and was awarded $25,000. Gran Fondo event is great!

Silver City Arts and Cultural District received $131,500 last year, requested $135,000 and was awarded $104,000. Putting digital display ads in El Paso Airport but yet to see Silver City brochures at their information desk.