The Salem Tourism Commission has handed out $91,000 in awards to further five projects in the area.
The biggest award was $65,000 to the Salem Economic Development Department for the painting of up to five new murals and touch up of the existing Sweeney Corner mural. Economic Development Director Leah Dellicarpini says the first new mural she would like to see go up is a ‘greetings mural’. She reports several downtown buildings are under consideration that have an exposed wall that could be seen by a large number of motorists, but no decision has yet been made.
Dellicarpini says she may have to go back for additional money to get all of the murals painted. She is interested in talking to local artists who would like to paint the murals. Dellicarpini can be reached at city hall, 618-548-2222, ext. 16.
The Salem Community Theatre has been awarded $10,000 to help with production costs for the upcoming season. The tourism commission will be the major sponsor for the season with the donation.
The tourism board will make a $10,000 donation towards the costs of Salem’s 4th of July Fireworks Display. They have been making that donation for the past few years.
The Marion County group working to celebrate the county’s 250th Birthday was granted $5,000 for marketing of its events, which are expected to include a July 3rd dinner as well as other activities spread throughout the county.
The tourism board will also make a $1,000 donation to assist the aerobatic competition at the Salem Leckrone Airfield that will be held August 7th through the 9th this year.
