CARLISLE, PA (May 23, 2011) - The Cumberland Valley Visitors Bureau (CVVB) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2011 Tourism Grant Program. In 2011, up to $50,000 of the Cumberland Valley's Lodging Tax Income is designated for a grant program to support the Civil War Sesquicentennial celebration and agri-tourism areas of interests.

"We were pleased to be able to offer this grant program for a second year in 2011, with areas of interest that would develop programming and product for key initiatives the CVVB will be focusing on," said Shireen Farr, CVVB Director of Tourism.

The goals of the program were to have applicants foster partnerships and support and new product development or programming within the specific areas of interest. Applicants were evaluated on the organization's ability to implement the project, track measures of success and provide for promise of sustainability. Applicants and awards were determined by an independent grant review panel, consisting of local experts in the area of interest. Below is a list of the recipients, the grant amount awarded and the area of interest. A half cash match was required.

The Shippensburg Historical Society, in partnership with the March to Destiny Civil War reenactment event, received a grant to improve management and promotion of the 2012 March to Destiny event and for the development of a new Shippensburg Historical Society brochure.

The McLain Celtic Festival received a grant for the promotion and advertising of Civil War programming and musician, David Kincaid, at the 2011 festival.

Cumberland Valley Rails to Trails Council submitted a grant for both the Civil War and agri-tourism areas of interest. Both committees granted $3,000 for agricultural and historical signage along the Cumberland Valley Rail Trail and for branding the three trailheads. The new signs will also include an augmented reality component.

Paulus Farm Market received a grant for the purpose of adding more signage to lead visitors to the market.

The CVVB's intent, based on the areas of interest and the grant recipients' outcomes, is to continue the competitive grant program in the fall.  

The mission of the Cumberland Valley Visitors Bureau is to promote Cumberland Valley as a tourist destination, attract visitors to the area, enhance the visitor's experience, and to encourage and promote overnight stays.

The Cumberland Valley Visitors Bureau is also part of Pennsylvania's Dutch Country Roads region, the number one visited region in PA, a true vacation destination where country meets city and the past lives side-by-side with the present.