Latest news with #ArtsFest
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Happy Valley tourism receives over $1 million in grant funding
CENTRE COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) — The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau (HVAB) is rolling out over $1 million in tourism grants to 81 recipients over the net fiscal year. The annual event awards funding to projects and organizations that 'foster visitation' according to a press release from the HVAB. This year the bureau is giving out a record-breaking $1,100,750. HVAB CEO Fritz Smith attributes the boost in funds to the county doubling its hotel tax five years ago. 'When we got the room tax increased five years ago, that was our goal was to, within five years, reach that $1 million mark in terms of grants that we awarded,' Smith said. Juniata College receives approval from state nursing board for new nursing program Commissioner Steve Dershem said it took 'a lot of thought' to make the decision to raise the tax. But, five years out from the tax raise, he says the initiative was a 'tremendous success.' The $1.1 million is being split among 81 recipients, including tourism heavy-hitters like 4th Fest, Grange Fair and Arts Fest. Of the 81, 11 of them are newcomers to the program. 'We also wanted to stimulate new events,' Smith said. 'And so over the years, we've really been able to be successful with that because of this program.' Some of the new faces include Burning Ma'am, AAUW State College and the Bellefonte Historical Railroad Society. New or old, local officials say each organization plays a role in making the county more appealing. 'These large events are major economic drivers for the local economy, and they're places for reunions and fellowship among local residents and those who return to our community for these events,' Commissioner Amber Concepcion said. The grants will begin distribution in July. For a full list of the recipients, visit the HVAB's website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Boston Globe
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Boston Globe
Free fun this week: Family opera, early Cinco fiestas, and double the Cambridge celebrations
Painted canvases are put together at Susan Gentile Studio to create a mural depicting local nature. Susan Gentile Studio LEAF YOUR MARK Though Earth Day has passed, finding ways to represent the community's landscape remains limitless. After spending the previous week crouched down planting trees or hiking through a forest cleanup, locals can spend the last few days of Earth Month making art to highlight the environment. Speak for the Trees Boston is asking the community to make a collaborative mural. By projecting silhouettes of familiar trees, branches, and leaves onto blank canvas, participants will paint a work representing the beauty of local nature. The finished mural will be put on display later this fall in Dorchester for public viewing. April 28, 5-7 p.m. 155A Washington St., Dorchester ALL THE RIGHT NOTES Wednesday is International Jazz Day, a time to look back on the communal and uniting nature of the genre. The Boston Jazz Foundation will celebrate the date by bringing renowned musicians to the stage, including Jason Palmer, a prominent figure in the Boston Jazz scene for over 20 years, Anastassiya Petrova, a Berklee alumnus and prolific performer, and various others. Performances will take place at Union Church and all admissions will be first come, first served. April 30, 6 p.m. 485 Columbus Ave. Advertisement Harvard's Arts Fest takes place every year, showcasing the university's creative talent and inviting the community to create art. Office for the Arts at Harvard/Adam and Christy Kissick Advertisement IVY LEAGUE AESTHETICS The Office for the Arts at Harvard University is hosting its annual Arts Fest, a weekend-long event that puts the school's creativity on display, from cultural dance to musical theater. Those interested can attend to scope out a wide range of campus talent or to spend some time outdoors (weather permitting) with the community. Attendees will also get the opportunity to May 1-4. Harvard Yard, 2 Kirkland St., Cambridge. PICTUR E-PERFECT PERUSAL Art lovers and collectors can meet over 90 local, resident artists during the SoWa Art Walk this Friday. Studios featuring paintings, sculptures, photography, mosaics, and other one-of-a-kind pieces will be open for viewing, encouraging exchanges with the artists themselves in the form of questions and conversation. May 2-4, hours vary. 450 Harrison Ave. TWO BY TWO 'Noah's Ark,' one of the most recounted biblical stories, has been adapted to many artistic forms — plays, poetry, song, etc. In 1958, composer Benjamin Britten used the story as inspiration for his operatic play 'Noah's Flood,' a retelling that will be taken on by the Boston Lyric Opera this Saturday. The performance will use audience participation to include watchers in the story and provide engagement for young, first-time operagoers. May 3, 2 p.m. Symphony Hall, 301 Massachusetts Ave. CENTERSTAGE FOR CENTRAL SQUARE For the May 3, 3 p.m. 19 State St., Cambridge. Advertisement SIP AND SAVOR Cinco de Mayo falls on a Monday this year, but the party starts earlier in Ball Square. Bow Market is inviting Bostonians to celebrate the holiday on Sunday afternoon with a live DJ, face-painting, and Mexican artesaníasand food. With the rest of the night reserved for margaritas and mezcal, partygoers will be ready to start the week without the morning hangover. May 4, 1-5 p.m. 1 Bow Market Way, Somerville. Marianna Orozco can be reached at
Yahoo
31-01-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Happy Valley Adventure Bureau sees ‘record' year, looks to 2025
CENTRE COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) – The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau is saying 2024 was a record year for tourism – but where will that extra revenue go? There are several ways to measure tourism, with hotels being the heavy hitters. 'One of the metrics that we score is hotel room stays because that's money that stays within the county through the hotels,' Director of the Happy Valley Sports and Entertainment Alliance Eric Engelbarts said. Penn State Communications dean named president of Quinnipiac College According to the adventure bureau, it saw a roughly 8% increase in hotel revenue. VP of Sales and Marketing Dave Gerdes says that Centre County was ranked 11 across Pa., and three years ago, they were at rank 17 – indicating significant growth. 'It was a record hotel year for Centre County,' Gerdes said. 'Everybody benefits from that. All of our neighbors benefit from that. When Centre County is doing well, the neighbors do well also.' The HVAB collects money from a hotel tax that every visitor pays. Engelbarts says they take the money and 'market the county again and continue to bring those visitors in.' They also have plans to improve 2025 by focusing more on winter events like the upcoming Comic Con and enhancing already popular events like Arts Fest with more concerts. Ultimately, Gerdes says they want to keep their 'foot on the pedal' and continue to bring in new tourists. 'You got to keep telling people what's going on, because as soon as you slip, one of your neighbors or somebody in a neighboring state is going to gobble them up,' Gerdes said. To see the latest events coming to Happy Valley, visit the adventure bureau's website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
