Tourism Commission makes decision on some funding requests

Three days after putting off decisions on over $130,000 worth of funding requests for various events and activities, the Corbin Tourism and Convention Commission voted last Thursday on the fate of several of the requests.

The board voted unanimously to give Forest Bowling Lanes Owner D.L. Lynch $1,500 to help offset the cost of hosting the

Kentucky Youth Bowling Tournament for at least three weekends this month.
Lynch originally had asked for $4,000, but modified that downward after receiving $1,500 from the Whitley County Tourism Commission. Board members agreed on only $1,500 saying they would match Whitley County’s contribution.

Most of the time was spent hashing over just how much funding would be provided for $103,895 worth of requests from Corbin Main Street Manager Andrew Salmons to fund the programs summer event series.

Salmons lobbied aggressively to receive $17,249 to purchase a sound system and portable stage to be used for musical entertainment for events. He said the equipment would be used for years to come and was a vital investment that would pay tourism dividends.

The board passed on the request … for now.

Board member Alan Onkst advised Salmons to get with sound technicians that work with the city’s NIBROC Festival to ensure that proper equipment is purchased. The board seemed generally favorable toward the request, but wanted more information.
Tourism members did vote to allot $4,100 to help fund two Moonbow Nights festivals, to be held in downtown Corbin May 5 and June 2.

The events coincide with the appearance of the moonbow and Cumberland Falls State Resort Park and are meant to capitalize on the tourism possibilities associated with it. Merchants in town will hold special sidewalk sales and there will be live entertainment and games in NIBROC Park.

The remainder of the request, which includes funding for a music and art festival, a block party, hobby festival, and antique festival will be considered by the board budget committee.

A request for $3,570 to fund a performance by comedian Henry Cho, to be held June 29 at Corbin High School, was denied.

The event is intended to be a fundraiser for St. Camillus Academy.