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Martin County EDA seeks grant to empower ‘tourism industry’
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The Martin County Economic Development Authority (EDA) approved a grant application that could provide micro-grants and training to local entrepreneurs. EDA Director Carolea Mills presented the proposal during a Feb. 11 meeting. Mills asked the board to authorize her to apply to the Appalachian Kentucky Civic Experiment Grant
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Christmas in the Mountains counts its blessings after a successful year
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — By the time Martin County Tourism officials gathered in the government center Jan. 20, the lights of Christmas in the Mountains had been packed away, the displays dismantled, the last checks still moving slowly through the mail. What remained was a ledger that balanced, a downtown that had
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Take a seat: Martin County Tourism charts ‘Big Chair’ trail
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The Martin County Tourism & Recreation Commission is charting a “Big Chair” trail. During a special meeting Aug. 27, commissioners discussed installing the oversized props in public spaces throughout the county. Their goal is to highlight landmarks and attract visitors to photo opportunities. Part of the discussion centered
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Tourism greenlights festival plans, logistics ahead of big weekend
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The Martin County Tourism Board got an update on the Appalachian Artist Festival in a meeting last week. They also approved financials and addressed logistical concerns, including trash pickup and rental policies for upcoming events and venue rentals. With the Appalachian Artist Festival just days away from transforming
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Martin County Tourism Commission to back Appalachian Artist Festival
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Every summer, a sliver of eastern Kentucky becomes a canvas. This year, on Saturday, Aug. 2, the Appalachian Artist Festival (AFF) will return to downtown Inez for its third annual run. This year, however, instead of operating under the City of Inez banner as it did in its
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Space for rent in historic courthouse
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Martin County Tourism is now offering office space and rooms for rent to small businesses on the first floor of the Historic Martin County Courthouse, officials announced during a commission meeting March 17. The rental space is part of the Tourism Commission’s effort to breathe new life into
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Tourism targets April 1 opening for wedding venue
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The Martin County Tourism Commission is pressing forward with efforts to open a wedding venue in the Historic Martin County Courthouse—an initiative that could bring revenue to pay their own bills. At a meeting Jan. 27, Commission Chair Nita Collier announced that the newly installed heating and cooling
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Christian stokes Renaissance fair
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The Martin County Tourism Commission took another step toward helping bring a Renaissance fair to the county during their Oct. 21 meeting. Cati Christian returned to stoke excitement for the event she proposed last month. With Christian’s enthusiasm, this event could bring a unique new experience to Martin
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Medieval madness could be coming to Martin County
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — At the recent Martin County Tourism meeting, Cati Christian pitched an unexpected and intriguing idea—medieval reenactments. Christian, a member of the Appalachian Drakaríðendr, part of the Empire of Medieval Pursuits (EMP) based in Boyd County, proposed bringing the immersive historical experience to the county. “We have a membership
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Martin County Tourism applies for $4.8 million grant to revitalize historic sites and boost local attractions
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The Martin County Tourism Board and the Big Sandy Area Development District have applied for a $4.8 million AMLER grant to revitalize historic sites, chairman Nita Collier announced during a tourism board meeting April 15. Collier informed board members that the grant would be used to complete renovations
