By NATASHA BRENNEMAN
Staff writer
Clarion County commissioners approved the awarding of more than $16,000 in tourism grants for upcoming events during their meeting Wednesday.
The following amounts were approved: $505 to Cook Forest Sawmill Brochure printing, $1,000 to Fryburg-Marble Mayfest 2017, $350 to Autumn Leaf Festival, $155 to Scotch Hill Community Days, $2,500 to Clarion County Fair, $850 to Once Upon a Christmas, $1,000 to Knox Horse Thief Days, $450 to Wolf’s Corner Fair, $1,000 to St. Joseph’s 4th of July 5K walk, $1,175 to Redbank Valley Trails Association 2017 Map, $4,350 to Sligo Home for the Holidays Christmas Craft and Gift Show, $1,000 to East Brady Area Riverfest, $800 to Clarion River Bluegrass Festival 2018, $995 to Cook Forest Center Chainsaw Carvers Roundup and $290 to Foxburg Turkey Trot 5K.
Commissioner Ted Tharan said due to some applications being filled out incorrectly, some projects that applied were not awarded grants.
The commissioners also announced that Allegheny River was named 2017 River of the Year.
“There were four finalists, and statewide the Allegheny River got 45 percent of the votes,” Commissioner Wayne Brosius said.
The river was nominated by Penn Soil Resource Conservation and Development Council.
Brosius said the organization has grant money available in the form of mini-grants of $500. Eligible projects that could benefit include educational sojourns, paddling or float trip events, water safety programs, public access area improvements, stream cleanup projects, establishment of riparian buffers, erosion control projects, control of invasive species, fishing derbies, educational programs and water quality training.