How does a small community like Grand Marais manage to have so many great events? When you think about all the bonspiels, bike races, ski races, sled dog races, tennis tournaments, dragon boat races, classic car show, wooden boat show, art fair, parades, fireworks, music festival weekends, pageants and puppet shows, and yeah, that big picnic in August, it makes you wonder…who makes this all happen?
Great events don’t just grow on trees, it takes time and money. The time of volunteers and staff from nonprofit organizations and the financial support of local businesses and the Grand Marais Area Tourism Association (GMATA) combine to produce, market, sustain, and drive local events year round.
According to Dave Tersteeg, GMATA chair, nonprofit groups host events to raise both awareness and funds to promote and sustain their missions and services.
“Successful Grand Marais events are win-winwin by providing exposure for local nonprofits, increased commerce for local businesses and attracting visitors to an experience that is ‘Way North of Ordinary,’” said Tersteeg.
Well-produced and promoted events thrive in Grand Marais for a number of reasons. Tersteeg said stunning scenery and local hospitality are on the list, but only in Grand Marais do you find the diversity and dedication of local nonprofits who are the event makers. These groups, working for the greater good, have realized that nothing brings a community together like a big party.
Tersteeg thanked all the groups which are event makers. “Without a doubt, your efforts have a dramatic impact on increased commerce and ‘heads in beds’ – our bottom-line indicators of success. GMATA and the Cook County Visitor’s Bureau (CCVB) are your local marketing groups that rely exclusively on lodging tax revenue, so it’s in all our best interests to keep events strong and lodging occupancy rates high. GMATA offers more than just gratitude to local event makers; we offer financial assistance in the form of our Local Event Marketing Grant.”
Nonprofit groups in the Grand Marais community hosting a public event in the city are urged to apply to GMATA for up to $1,000 to promote and market their events. The one-page application is typically sent out to known event makers of the past, with a March 1 deadline.
“This year, just to be sure we aren’t missing anyone, we thought we’d put out this very public call for applications. Keep in mind, applying for grant funding does not necessarily guarantee final selection,” said Tersteeg.
Contact the CCVB at (218) 387-2788 (ext. 114) for more information and an application.
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