Spencer County Visitors Bureau Awards $5,000 in Tourism Enhancement Grants

Posted on April 22, 2025

The Spencer County Visitors Bureau Inc. will distribute Tourism Enhancement Grants to four local businesses and organizations.

A total of $5,233 in 2025 Tourism Enhancement Grants was awarded to the following initiatives:

• Fat Daddy’s Grill & Chill will add two commercial grade tables, including an ADA-compliant option, to its outdoor seating area.
• Lakeview Orchards will add electric hook-ups for lighting and outlets for outdoor inflatables to its existing shelter pavilion.
• Lincoln Pioneer Village & Museum will provide additional entertainment for its 2025 Heritage Day events to mark the museum’s 90th anniversary.
• St. Meinrad Volunteer Fire Department will offer two new inflatables for the annual Fire & Farm Expo.

“Supporting local businesses and organizations through these grants is something we’re proud of,” says Spencer County Visitors Bureau Executive Director Melissa Arnold. “We love hearing new ideas and helping bring them to life in ways that enhance the visitor experience and benefit residents alike.”

Approximately $5,000 remains in the Tourism Enhancement Grant fund and applications are currently being accepted. For complete details and a submission form, interested entities can visit SantaClausInd.org/tourism-partners. Businesses and organizations may contact the Spencer County Visitors Bureau at (812) 937-4199 with any questions or to brainstorm ideas.

The Spencer County Tourism Enhancement Grant is designed to assist organizations, businesses, events, and tourism-related entities with special projects, events, activities, marketing, and other initiatives to encourage visitation and tourism in Spencer County. This is the fourth year for the Tourism Enhancement Grant, although the Visitors Bureau has offered various grants since 2015.

The Spencer County Visitors Bureau encourages guests to stay overnight and provides a variety of resources about local attractions, shops, and restaurants. 

For more information about Spencer County as a destination, call (888) 444-9252 or visit SantaClausInd.org and IndianasAbeLincoln.org.