Garfield County approves $4,000 starter grant for Escalante Heritage Festival

Garfield County commissioners voted to provide a $4,000 starter grant to help launch an Escalante Heritage Festival after hearing a brief request from organizer Jill Phillips.

Phillips told the board the event—timed to coincide with Escalante’s 150th celebration—needs seed funding for band fees, insurance and prizes. “I’m just asking for some funding to maybe help with that,” she said. The commission discussed typical festival awards and budget norms for local events before Commissioner (speaker 1) moved the funding and Commissioner (speaker 6) seconded the motion. The motion passed by voice vote.

Commissioners said the award is intended as a one‑time starter allocation; if organizers need additional money they were asked to return with a request. The commission also suggested that any unused funds be left in the sponsoring commissioner’s discretionary account for future use. The festival organizers were directed to contact the county office for follow-up on payment and publicity.

The funding motion was procedural and carried on a voice vote; the record shows the commission approved the $4,000 allocation and asked staff to provide administrative assistance where appropriate.