Palace Theatre receives Capture The Moment grant

MARION — The Marion Area Convention and Visitors Bureau announced the winner of its second annual tourism grant presented during their Capture The Moment History Dinner on Oct. 1. The Marion Palace Theatre was awarded the $500 grant.

Two years ago, the Marion Area CVB took measures to create a grant program to be awarded to a tourism-related entity through proceeds raised during the annual Capture The Moment History Dinner, a news release states. The entity had to be a Marion tourism-related 501(c)3 as well as present an outline of how the funds would be used if awarded. Specific criteria requested applicants to tell how the funds would draw visitors to the Marion area.

Out of the applications, the Palace Theatre was chosen for their intent to grow a group tour luncheon program already initiated through a partnership with the CVB and the theater. The newly created The Stage Is Set program offers an intimate setting and a unique view from the Marion Palace stage while tour groups enjoy a buffet lunch on the stage. Add mighty Wurlitzer music or portrayal entertainment, and you have fulfilled a unique destination need. Initially offered by the CVB to tour group operators in 2014, one group has already visited in 2015 and the CVB has received inquiries for 2016.

The Palace Theatre intends to use the grant money to offset the cost of advertising The Stage Is Set program in trade magazine Groups Today and to print fliers for a mailing geared toward group tour operators. All marketing pieces will offer Marion’s destination partnership.

The Marion CVB hopes to continue to grow the Capture The Moment History Dinner Grant through the dinner’s fundraising efforts. For the past 11 years, the CVB has videotaped stories told by Marion residents during the dinners. A DVD of the dinner is then archived with the Marion County Historical Society, thus “capturing” history each year.

At this year’s dinner, Margaret Hazlett, George Schram, Clare Cooke and Larry Geissler told of their love of and their small part in Marion’s history.

“We have gotten loads of positive comments that this year’s dinner and panel were outstanding,” said Diane Watson, Marion Area Convention and Visitors Bureau director. “It will be a challenge to top this group when we start planning for next year’s dinner.”

If you missed the event, the Marion Area CVB will offer a DVD (when available) of the event for a $10 donation. The donation, fittingly, goes back to the Harding TelCom classroom for their role in “capturing” the evening’s panel discussion. You can contact the CVB welcome center and reserve your DVD by calling 740-389-9770 or stopping by their Mallard Square office at 1713 Marion Mt. Gilead Rd — the big green awning that says “Tourist Information.”

The Marion Area Convention and Visitors Bureau is dedicated to promoting the Marion Area’s many historical and unusual attractions, with the purpose being to bring economic growth to the Marion area.