Carol Johnson, Southern Indiana Business Report
FRENCH LICK – Nearly two dozen organizations in Orange County were awarded tourism grants by the Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau, also known as Visit French Lick West Baden.
The CVB presented more than $218,000 to 20 groups to support local efforts that attract visitors, engage local residents, promote community pride and heritage, all of which boost tourism in the region.
Tourism brings millions of dollars to Orange County. In 2022, the total economic impact from tourism was $36.1 million, according to an analysis by Rockport Analytics. Tourism supports nearly 1,300 jobs and in 2022 generated $15.5 million in state and local taxes.
“The sponsorship provided by the Orange County CVB, operating as Visit French Lick West Baden, plays a crucial role in event planning for organizations and businesses in our destination. These sponsorships contribute significantly to the vitality of events throughout the county, benefiting both tourists and community members,” said Mindy Rogers, with Visit French Lick West Baden. “From wood carving festivals to live music, harvest feasts to local festivals, and even the restoration of our historic clock tower, the range of events hosted in our community is truly remarkable. Community members invest their passion and dedication into these festivities, providing unique experiences for all. With events like these, there’s never a dull moment in Orange County.”
Grant recipient Possibilities in Paoli, a newly formed downtown revitalization nonprofit, will use its $3,500 grant to plan two downtown events, one this summer and another in the fall.
“The partnership with Visit French Lick West Baden is vital to the small organizations such as Possibilities in Paoli, the local Chambers of Commerce and small businesses that plan events for the community. Without them, it would make hosting these events that much harder,” said Chelsey Thomas, president of Possibilities in Paoli.
Orange County HomeGrown, which organizes weekly farmers markets in Orleans and French Lick, will use its $3,250 grant for advertising, weekly family-friendly activities at the Orleans market, a holiday market and 5K.
Market Manager Kim Arnold said the Orleans market regularly attracts 700 to 1,000 visitors, many of whom visit other businesses and attractions in and around Orleans. At times when the town of Orleans also has an event during the Saturday market, the crowd grows to 1,500 or more.
The market may have started as a way to bring people downtown and provide a selling venue for local growers and crafters, but it has become much more, Arnold said.
She recalled meeting a family visiting from California about five years ago at the French Lick market. She encouraged them to visit the Orleans market, but their trip plans had them leaving the day before.
When the Orleans Saturday market rolled around, there they were.
“They rebooked their flight home and stayed another day for the Orleans market,” Arnold said. “The last three years they’ve come back. They stay at the French Lick Resort and come to the market and make sure they say hello. It’s really joyful to see people like that enjoy what we have to offer.”
Touted as one of the 10 best small farmers markets in the US, Orange County HomeGrown has been around for 22 years.
Arnold said a guest book has recorded visitors from all over the US, Australia, Italy and Austria.
The Orleans Chamber of Commerce will use its grant for its public events, which include the Dogwood Festival, Fall Festival, Christmas on the Square and Concerts in the Park.
“These grants are invaluable to small groups like ourselves because those events are outside of our budget,” said Robert Henderson, executive director of the Orleans Chamber of Commerce.
2024 tourism grant recipients
Wilstem Wildlife Park
Castle Knoll Amphitheater
French Lick Artisan
French Lick Scenic Railway
Bear Hollow
French Lick West Baden Museum
Team OC
Orleans Chamber of Commerce
Legendz of French Lick of the Abbeydell Hall
Legendz Bar & Grill
Bledsoe Farms
Orange County 4-H
Let Music Speak
Town of Paoli
Orange County HomeGrown
Possibilities in Paoli
Friends of Orange County
Paoli Chamber of Commerce
Indiana Landmarks