Community Partnerships & Grants

• Awarded $32,500 to local festivals and events through the Tourism Development and Marketing Grant program. Partners included event organizers for the following events: Banners at McNeese, Rouge et Blanc, Boudin Wars, Lake Charles Symphony, Christmas Lighting Festival, Chuck Fest, Smoke & Barrel, Live at the Lakefront, the Chennault International Airshow, and The City of Lake Charles 4 th of July Celebration.

• In an effort to encourage and support marketing initiatives that will attract and retain visitors, Visit Lake Charles also provided $55,000 for the Arts/Tourism Partnership Grant, which is administered by the Arts & Humanities Council of SWLA.

$250,000+ invested in community organizations and events

• In the second of a five-year commitment, Visit Lake Charles provided $100,000 to the McNeese State University Athletic Foundation Baseball Facility Enhancement fund. The cooperative agreement calls for McNeese to allow Visit Lake Charles to use the baseball stadium and facilities for four weeks each July through 2024 to accommodate and attract large national competitive youth baseball tournaments like the New Balance Future Stars Series (NBFSS).

• Awarded $100,000 to sporting groups and local facilities through the Sports Warchest Grants. Funds are award to various groups to promote sporting events that support tourism and provide economic growth in Calcasieu Parish.