Tourism Council Awards Grants to Enhance Belmont County
The Belmont County Tourism Council Board of Directors announced the recipients of its 2026 Grant Assistance Program (GAP Grant), awarding nearly $120,000 to 45 nonprofit organizations across Belmont County. The funding will help organizations continue their missions through events, projects, improvements and maintenance efforts that support travel and tourism throughout the county.
The GAP Grant program is designed to help “fill in the gap” by providing financial support for tourist attractions, historic sites and community events that enhance tourism in Belmont County, according to the council. Funding for the program comes from Belmont County lodging tax revenues, which are reinvested into tourism development and promotion across the county.
Organizations receiving grants this year include:
- Arc of Ohio
- Barkcamp Race
- Barnesville Area Chamber of Commerce
- Barnesville B&O Depot
- Barnesville Pumpkin Festival
- Barnesville State Theater Company
- Barton Volunteer Fire Department
- Beast of the East
- Bellaire High School Alumni Association
- Bellaire Public Library
- Belmont County Agricultural Society
- Belmont County District Library
- Belmont County Historical Society
- Belmont County Regional Airport Authority
- Belmont County Soil & Water Conservation
- Captina Conservancy
- Epworth Park Cottage Owners Association
- Epworth Park Foundation
- Flushing Revitalization & Business Corp
- Friends of Willow Grove Memorial
- Great Stone Viaduct
- Holloway Old Timers Baseball Association
- Martins Ferry Area Historical Society
- Martins Ferry Lions Club
- Martins Ferry Volunteer Fire Department
- Morristown Historical Preservation Association
- National Imperial Glass Collectors Society
- National Trail #348 International Questers
- Ohio Valley Farmers Market
- Project Forward
- Shadyside Area Chamber of Commerce
- Shadyside Loop Festival
- Sons of Italy Lodge #754
- St. Clairsville Area Chamber of Commerce
- St. Clairsville Ohio Kennel Club Inc.
- St. Clairsville Parks and Recreation
- St. Clairsville Public Library
- St. Clairsville Sunrise Rotary Club
- St. Clairsville Union Cemetery
- Tri-State Military Veterans Museum
- Underground Railroad Museum
- Village of Barnesville
- Village of Shadyside
- Watt Center for History & the Arts
- Zion Retreat & RV Park
“These grants make a meaningful difference in our communities,” executive director Jackee Pugh said. “Many of the recipients rely on this funding to continue offering the events and experiences that bring people together and draw visitors to Belmont County. We are incredibly grateful to be able to support so many organizations that help showcase the best of our region.”
Leaders of several Barnesville-based organizations expressed appreciation for the funding.
The Village of Barnesville plans to use the grant toward multiple long-term mural projects, including a mural this year celebrating America250. The community will help paint small tiles that will form the completed mural.
“The village is extremely grateful for Belmont County Tourism support,” Mayor Jake Hershberger said. “They do a lot for the Barnesville community and are truly appreciated.”
The Barnesville Area Chamber of Commerce will use the grant to enhance community events, provide free family activities and support attractions, such as the Christmas ice-skating rink.
“We really appreciate the gap grant from Belmont County Tourism Council …,” chamber president John Rataiczak. “The grant allows us to offer free activities for families, including kids, parents and grandparents to be together to share the spirit of Barnesville.”
Captina Conservancy will use its funding to promote summer events and purchase supplies for the upcoming Duck Dash and Ohio River Festival.
“Grants like these are super important in helping the Conservancy continue its mission,” executive director Turner Provost said. “Since we have great partners who can fund our events like these we can focus other funds into things like protecting properties or habitat restoration projects.”
The Barnesville State Theater Company plans to use the funds for restoration of the public men’s and women’s restrooms as part of its ongoing efforts to bring arts and culture to the community.
“Receiving the gap grant for construction improvements to the theater brings us one step closer to opening the theater to the community,” committee member Rose Grear said. “We are so grateful to Belmont County Tourism and the community for their trust and support for this project.”
The Barnesville Depot commit will use the money to cover the cost of a children’s attraction and ride, called “The Little Roaming Railroad,” during the Barnesville Pumpkin Festival as part of its educational and engagement focus. Committee member Patti Napolitano said the attraction will boost the footprint of the festival and capture the imagination of future volunteers and board members.
The Belmont County Historical Society plans to use the grant money to assemble micro-exhibits about life in the 1890s and use it to maintain and repair the Belmont County Victorian Mansion museum. Member Brock Rogers said the committee is grateful for the continued support of the Belmont County Toursim Council.
The Barnesville Pumpkin Festival also received funding. Vice President Keith Williams said this year’s festival will honor the legacy of longtime festival president Tim Rockwell who died recently.
“Our goal as committee members is to try to have the best show for Tim this year,” Williams said.
Williams said the funding will help support the pumpkin weigh-in contest and cover operating expenses such as utilities, insurance and trash service.
Pugh said this year’s awards come at an especially exciting time as Belmont County prepares to celebrate two major milestones in 2026: America’s 250th anniversary and Belmont County’s 225th anniversary. Communities across the county are planning festivals, events and commemorative experiences highlighting the area’s history, traditions and community spirit.
“The upcoming year will be truly special for Belmont County,” Pugh said. “These grants will help bring those celebrations to life, creating memorable experiences for both residents and visitors while honoring the history and stories that define our region.”
The Belmont County Tourism Council remains committed to its mission of attracting visitors by promoting the county’s events, attractions, and unique experiences, the council press release noted.
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