Hotel tax dollars to support marketing efforts for 2025 events, overnight stays
Wayne County Commissioners, Wayne County Hotel Tax Board, and the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau (PMVB) are proud to announce roughly $150,000 in funding for events and nonprofit organizations for the coming year thanks to the Tourism Project Disbursement Allocation Program. This program has helped to fund many organizations and events over the past seven years totaling more than $940,000 in awards. Applications for funding were submitted from a variety of integral partners in bringing visitors to the area in 2025 including music festivals, historical celebrations and more.
“We are fortunate to be able to support so many different organizations and events each year through this funding which in turn helps keep our county vibrant with cultural offerings and supports our local economy,” said Wayne County Chief Financial Officer Vicky Botjer. “There are countless volunteer efforts behind many of these organizations as well as dedicated staff at nonprofits that make Wayne County have the quality of life it has.”
Applications underwent review by the Wayne County Tourism Promotion Committee and the PMVB resulting in allocations including awards such as for events including Roots & Rhythm celebrating its 18th year. Also receiving funding in 2025 are events that support the Greater Honesdale Partnership, Downtown Hawley Partnership, Chamber of the Northern Poconos, Wayne County Historical Society, another round of locations on the art trail on Route 191 as well as fairs and festivals throughout the year and the county.
These disbursements provide marketing assistance to nonprofits and event promoters to assist in bringing visitors to Wayne County and the Pocono Mountains each year providing additional revenue for area businesses.
2025 PMVB Tourism Grant Awards
| Chamber of the Northern Poconos | $12,000.00 |
| Delaware Highlands Conservancy | $4,500.00 |
| Dorflinger Wildlife Sanctuary | $6,500.00 |
| Downtown Hawley Partnership | $12,000.00 |
| Equinunk Historical Society | $4,000.00 |
| Farm Arts Collective | $2,000.00 |
| Foundation for Harmony Presents | $6,500.00 |
| GDS Fair | $5,000.00 |
| Greater Honesdale Partnership | $12,000.00 |
| Lacawac Sanctuary Foundation | $7,500.00 |
| Newfoundland Area Public Library | $4,750.00 |
| Pleasant Mount Public Library | $1,000.00 |
| Rail-Trail Council of Northeastern Pennsylvania | $1,000.00 |
| Ritz Playhouse | $5,500.00 |
| Roots and Rhythm | $6,500.00 |
| Rotary Club of Honesdale | $6,500.00 |
| St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church | $2,000.00 |
| Sustainable Energy Education & Development Support (S.E.E.D.S.) | $1,000.00 |
| The Cooperage Project | $5,500.00 |
| Wayne County Arts Alliance | $6,500.00 |
| Wayne County Community Foundation - Creative Communities Art Trail | $3,750.00 |
| Wayne County Community Foundation - Fall Music Festival | $5,500.00 |
| Wayne County Community Foundation - WCCAC | $3,750.00 |
| Wayne County Community Foundation - Dyberry Creek Music Festival | $800.00 |
| Wayne County Fair | $8,000.00 |
| Wayne County Farmers Market | $4,000.00 |
| Wayne County Historical Society | $6,500.00 |
| Wayne Pike Waterways and Trails Alliance | $4,500.00 |
| Women's Club of Honesdale | $2,750.00 |
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CONTACT:
Andrew M. Seder, Chief Clerk
570-253-5970 - ext. 1301
[email protected]
