HELENA — The Montana Department of Commerce says it is awarding grants to 17 local tourism-related events in 12 communities around the state.
The agency’s tourism office says that a total of $200,000 is going to events in Big Sky, Chinook, Ekalaka, Glasgow, Great Falls, Hamilton, Hardin, Helena, Kalispell, Missoula, Polson and Virginia City.
The agency says the money is used to help with marketing and promotion for events that let visitors engage with local communities.
Events include the Big Sky Classical Music Festival, the Montana Governor’s Cup Walleye Tournament on Fort Peck Lake, The Montana State Fair and Big Sky Pro Rodeo Roundup, and the Montana Dragon Boat Festival in Kalispell.