Ephrata tourism grants awarded

EPHRATA — The Ephrata City Council awarded six groups about $20,000 in tourism-related grants during their last meeting.

The Ephrata Tourism Commission took applications for grants in February.

The money comes from a hotel and motel tax, and is available to non-profit groups, who demonstrate a need and the ability to increase tourism in Ephrata, according to the city. This includes festivals held within the city.

“The stipulation is that the money has to go back into tourism events,” Ephrata’s Recreation Director Ray Towry said in a previous interview. “(The amount) varies from several hundred dollars to a couple thousand.”

The commission awarded $3,950 to Sage N Sun, festival $2,950 to the Rage In the Sage, a two day mountain bike festival, $6,950 to the Ephrata Chamber of Commerce, $1,950 to Miracle on Main Street, $750 to the Grant County Historical Society and $2,950 for St. Rose of Lima Catholic School.

Councilmember Kathleen Allstot asked how St. Rose of Lima planned to use their grant.

Councilmember Mark Wanke, who also serves on the committee, said the grant was for the school’s 50th anniversary celebration.

“They are doing a lot of promoting. They’ve already had a lot of comments from people coming to it, and they’re from all over the U.S.,” he said.