AUGUSTA – The 2022 Maine Garlic Festival, held at Lake George Regional Park in Skowhegan and Canaan, has been awarded a $2,500 grant by the Kennebec Valley Tourism Council.
The money will assist tourism growth in the Kennebec Valley and produce a positive economic impact on the region, officials from both organizations said. The Garlic Festival takes place the first weekend in October.
Lake George Regional Park was one of nine sponsorship recipients awarded as part of the 2022 KVTC marketing partnership program. In total, the 2022 KVTC sponsorship support application requests reached nearly $21,500. Organizations will use the money to support their marking initiatives to make the region a tourist destination.
Lake George Regional Park Director Darryll White said the Garlic Festival “has all the components for a wonderful annual event in Northern New England.
“Held lakeside and surrounded by autumn foliage and rolling hills, this festival celebrates central Maine’s local art, music, recreation, agriculture and of course, the garlic harvest.”
In its third year with a one-year hiatus because of the pandemic, the festival has expanded attendance, vendors, activities and musical entertainment since it began. With plans to further expand, the marketing grant provided by the Kennebec Valley Tourism Council and The Maine Office of Tourism provides the means to broaden outreach and attract more visitors from beyond the local region, White said. “Lake George Regional Park and the Garlic Fest committee are most appreciative of KVTC’s and MOT’s support,” he said.
“KVTC is excited to be able to support local organizations with our 2022 partnership program. These sponsorships help provide funding for key marketing elements including advertising, printing, branding and more,” Tanya Griffeth, KVTC executive director, said. She said the money is dedicated to support marketing efforts in more rural areas. “While established events can rely on word-of-mouth and brand awareness to help drive attendance, new events and destinations have quite a bit of ground to cover to pull visitors from neighboring regions,” Griffeth said.
