2024 Grant Application: Wassail Shuttle Service and Parade

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Grant Overview

Please enter a brief descriptive name for this grant*
Wassail Shuttle Service and Parade

Briefly describe the purpose of the grant
Wassail weekend is arguably the most important economic driver of the year. Chief Swanson estimates that we had between 6,000 and 7,000 visitors on Saturday. The free parking out of the Village enhances the beauty of the village and makes it easy to get around town. The Horse and wagon added to the ambiance of the Weekend. And the one of the most important features of the weekend, the Wassail Parade, attracts thousands. The Chamber collaborates with all of our Wassail partners including The Woodstock Inn and lodging establishments, merchants, and our many not-for-profits.Wassail Weekend is in its 40th year. It continues to grow and attract visitors from all over the country. Guests make reservation now for the following year. It is a wonderful, collaborative celebration for the Woodstock Area. The Chamber coordinates with the Billings Farm & Museum, Library, Artistree, Pentangles, High School groups, the Equestrian Community and more. Since 2022 the Chamber offered wagon rides throughout the Village on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 9:30-1pm. The Chamber is continuing with this effort but will not be requesting funding this year The Chamber contracts with Butler’s Bus to run two small buses as a shuttle service from the Village to the High School parking lot. This has worked well and help alleviate traffic problems on River Street and throughout the village. The buses run from 9:30AM until 5PM. Due to the enormous turnout on December 9th, 2023 we need to further continue and expand the bus service. At this point we may need an additional parking lot. Additionally, the Wassail Parade, in it’s 40th year needs extra attention to restore the event to past successes. We have been working with High Horses for the past 10 years and prior to this we worked with GMHA to create the parade. After 40 years we need to refresh and revitalize this event. We are requesting a grant of $5000 to be used to enhance the parade. While still in the planning phase we have created a new committee to bring ideas to the table. I have contacted the Brattleboro Legion band for $1000 they will ride in a wagon and play Holiday music. We have discussed offering cash Prizes in three categories, I have contacted a Vermont Pipe band as well as left several messages at the High School. Since the committee is just forming it will be helpful to have a pot of money available for these and other enhancements.

What is the total budget for the project for which you are requesting EDC support?
$9,200

How much funding are you requesting from the EDC?
$5,800

Applicant and Organization Information

Name of Applicant / Organization / Business
Woodstock Area Chamber of Commerce

Mailing address
Po Box 486 Woodstock, VT 05091

Name of Project coordinator
Beth Finlayson

Coordinator's email address
bfinlayson@woodstockvt.com

Coordinator's telephone number
802-558-7031

Organization's website
www.woodstockvt.com

Organization's EIN
EIN# 03-0183829

If you are applying on behalf of an organization, describe the organization and its mission (if you are applying as an individual enter "None")
The Woodstock Area Chamber of Commerce is a membership-driven organization of businesses and professionals who are committed to developing a vibrant community and improving the economic well-being of the Woodstock area by marketing and supporting our members and our towns.

If you are applying on behalf of an organization, what is your annual organizational budget (if you are applying as an individual enter "None")?
160,000

Project Description

Please provide a detailed description of the project
The Chamber contracts with Butler’s Bus to run two small buses as a shuttle service from the Village to the High School parking lot. This has worked well and help alleviate traffic problems on River Street and throughout the village. The buses run from 9:30AM until 5PM. Due to the enormous turnout on December 9th, 2023 we need to further continue and expand the bus service. At this point we may need an additional parking lot. Additionally, the Wassail Parade, in it’s 40th year needs extra attention to restore the event to past successes. We have been working with High Horses for the past 10 years and prior to this we worked with GMHA to create the parade. After 40 years we need to refresh and revitalize this event. We are requesting a grant of $5000 to be used to enhance the parade. While still in the planning phase we have created a new committee to bring ideas to the table. I have contacted the Brattleboro Legion band for $1000 they will ride in a wagon and play Holiday music. We have discussed offering cash Prizes in three categories, I have contacted a Vermont Pipe band as well as left several messages at the High School. Since the committee is just forming it will be helpful to have a pot of money available for these and other enhancements.

What is the timeline for the project (e.g. when will it be ready to start, when will it be completed,
are there important milestones along the way?
The timeline has begun by creating a revitalized committee to review the Woodstock Wassail Parade and create enhansments for Dec 14, 2024. The buses will be contracted with in early September, 2024.

What will success look like?
Success will be a robust parade with a wider variety of horses, riders wagons and musiic. Shuttle busses will be running from 9:30AM until 5PM on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024.

Project Budget

Please provide a link to a spreadsheet that shows the project's budget, using the format as indicated in this example
https://1drv.ms/x/s!AvUwLfymjhQFlsIBTWaWXVk9yaosDQ?e=xcNFbc

Please confirm that no in-kind expenses are included in the budget spreadsheet
Confirmed

If there are any explanations you would like to provide to help us better understand the project budget spreadsheet
please enter them here
I am happy to discuss this request.

Community Support

Is there a "project champion" who strongly supports the project?
The Viillage Trustees, business community,visitors,Chamber Board residents.

Describe the level of community support for this project
The Village Trustees, Local business people and residents have all voiced concerns and requested improvements for 2024.
Questions and Responses

Question: If you were awarded the grant how would you plan to recognize the contribution made by the EDC (so the community can better understand the types of investments we are making in economic and commmunity development)? (submitted by Jon Spector)
Response: We will thank the WEDC for their grant on the shuttle and on printed materials for Wassail Weekend. We will do the same in the Parade Program- thanking the EDC for your support of the Woodstock Wassail Parade.