A host of local festivals and programs will receive $80,000 from the city of Columbia with the goal of bringing more tourists to the area.
The Convention and Visitors Advisory Board voted at its Monday meeting to distribute the money as part of its Signature Series program.
The True/False Film Festival, the Roots N Blues N BBQ Festival and the Show-Me State Games will each receive $20,000 in 2019, while Art in the Park and the MU Concert Series will each receive $10,000.
The $80,000 will come out of the remaining $416,000 in the Convention and Visitors Bureau’s Tourism Development Fund.
The Signature Series funding can be used for performer fees, transportation shuttles or prize money to increase event growth. Amy Schneider, director of the Convention and Visitors Bureau, said the funds are mostly used for marketing.
“The better marketing they have, the more people we can bring to Columbia,” Schneider said.
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