HVAB Awards $387,300 in First-Round Tourism Grants to Boost Happy Valley Assets Amid COVID-19 Challenges
The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau (HVAB) and Centre County Commissioners announced the first round of 2020-21 Tourism Grant recipients during a news conference at the Centre County Visitor Center. This year, HVAB received 61 applications from 56 organizations, requesting more than $1.4 million in total.
HVAB President and CEO Fritz Smith explained that due to COVID-19's impact on lodging tax revenues, HVAB, the Commissioners, and the Tourism Grant Committee opted to distribute grants in two phases. The initial allocation amounts to $387,300, with most 2021 event funding requests to be reviewed and awarded later this fall.
“This year has presented unprecedented challenges for HVAB and its members,” Smith noted. “Event shutdowns and cancellations have severely affected our lodging sector and tourism promotion revenues. The Tourism Grant Committee navigated historic demand levels with thoughtful deliberation, prioritizing funds to sustain our venues, events, and attractions for locals and future visitors.”
Centre County Commissioners echoed these sentiments. “We thank the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau for their commitment to our community,” said Chairman Michael Pipe, speaking for himself, Mark Higgins, and Steve Dershem. “These grants will foster partnerships amid social distancing. We congratulate all recipients and wish them success.”
HVAB Board Chairman Edward Tubbs, Chief Operating Officer for Hospitality Asset Management Company, highlighted that the 16 new or returning recipients represent diverse projects countywide.
Spotlighted recipients included first-time awardees like State College Borough/MLK Jr. Plaza, Centre County Farmland Trust, Moshannon Valley Veteran’s Memorial, and The Crooked House.
State College Borough received $1,000 for Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza to promote it for multicultural events via a virtual tour amid the pandemic. “Since opening in 2017, the plaza has hosted events advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion,” said Assistant to the Manager Douglas Shontz. “This grant enables a 360-degree interactive digital tour for virtual visits.”
“We are grateful for the HVAB grant,” added Chairperson Barbara W. Farmer. “It will expand our outreach, enhancing community reflection and growth.”
The Centre County Farmland Trust will develop self-guided mini-tours of farms and agritourism sites. “We’re thrilled to partner with HVAB on refreshed farm routes featuring productive farms, eateries, and markets,” said Board President Jennifer Shuey.
Moshannon Valley Veteran’s Memorial funding will buy five highway signs via PA Tourism Signing Trust to boost visibility in Philipsburg. The Crooked House grant supports a public sculpture at Homecoming Park in Milesburg. “This affirms the arts’ role in attracting visitors,” said Creative Director Benjamin Fehl.
Phase 1 grant recipients:
Bellefonte Art Museum -- $20,000
State Theatre -- $25,000
Moshannon Valley Veteran’s Memorial - $1,000
Centre County Farmland Trust -- $5,000
Centre Bike -- $7,000
PA Chamber Orchestra -- $3,000
Clearwater Conservancy -- $10,000
PSU – Centre Stage -- $7,500
PSU – Centre for the Performing Arts -- $4,000
The Crooked House -- $5,000
State College Borough (MLK Plaza) - $1,000
Howard Volunteer Fire Department - $2,000
Bellefonte Inter-Valley Chamber -- $1,000
Friends of the PA Military Museum -- $6,500
People’s Choice Festival -- $3,500
Nittany Lion Aquatic Club -- $12,000
Bryce Jordan Center -- $7,500
Bryce Jordan Center -- $7,500
Nittany Mountain Biking Association (Harvest Fields Trail) - $15,000
Rowland Theatre – $10,000
Centre Region Parks & Recreation -- $5,000
Nittany Valley Symphony -- $7,000
PA Parks & Forest (Friends of Rothrock) -- $12,000
Aaronsburg Civic Club (Dutch Fall Festival) -- $3,000
First Night State College -- $5,500
Pine Grove Farmers Market -- $1,800
PSU – Arboretum -- $10,000
Centre County Library & Historical Museum -- $12,000
Lemont Village Association -- $2,500
Discovery Space -- $10,000
PSU – Palmer Museum of Art -- $10,000
Central PA Festival of the Arts -- $5,000
Grange Encampment & Fair -- $20,000
Downtown Bellefonte, Inc. -- $6,000
Mountaintop Swimming Pool -- $5,000
Gold Basket -- $1,500
Centre County Historical Society -- $7,000
Centre County Historical Society -- $6,000
Central PA 4th Fest -- $25,000
Downtown State College Improvement District -- $25,000
The Rivet at Discovery Space -- $2,500
Rhoneymeade -- $5,000
PSU – Centre Film Festival -- $7,000
Historic Bellefonte, Inc. -- $40,000
Ten more applications are slated for review in November.
