Contact: Carol Crockett

Montana Department of Commerce

Promotion Division, Travel Montana

406/841-2796

For Immediate Release

BIG TIMBER, bILLINGS, HAMILTON, HAVRE, LIVINGSTON RECEIVE $26,925 FROM MONTANA DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE SPECIAL EVENTS FUNDS

Helena, MT - July 11, 2002 – Big Timber, Billings, Hamilton, Havre, and Livingston have been awarded a total of $26,925 from Montana Department of Commerce’s Special Events Grant Program (SEGP) “bed tax” funds to assist in the promotion and implementation of tourism-related events.

Mark Simonich, Director, Montana Department of Commerce approved the SEGP funding for the five events following recommendations from the Montana Promotion Division, Travel Montana and members of the Governor-appointed Tourism Advisory Council. The five SEGP recipients were selected from 25 applications submitted for funding.

“These grants enable communities small, medium and large to be proactive in putting together events that have both tourism and community appeal,” said Simonich. “It is another effort on our part to support their grassroots’ efforts to enhance quality of life while strengthening their local economy. “

The five 2002 SEGP awards are:

§ Big Timber - Sweet Grass Chamber of Commerce - $4,750

Sweet Grass Fest 2002

§ Billings - Yellowstone Art Museum - $5,000

Will James' Birthday Celebration

§ Hamilton - The Daly Mansion Preservation Trust - $3,100

The Countess' Trail Ride

§ Havre Chamber of Commerce, Havre - $2,500

3-on-3 Nothing But Net Street-Ball Tournament

§ Livingston - Showcase Writers Guild - $11,575

Take Two - 2002 Film Weekend

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Deadline for the next round of grant applications will be mid-October 2002 for the 2003 fiscal year. For more information, contact Montana Promotion Division, Travel Montana 406-841-2870.

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