Ridges and Rivers organizers seek higher county partner contribution after 1,000+ attendees

Trina Erickson and Lisa Henner told the Vernon County Economic Development Committee on Aug. 3 that the 2023 Ridges and Rivers Book Festival attracted more than 1,000 attendees and requested a $2,000 county partner contribution for the 2024 event, an increase of $1,000 from the county's 2023 contribution.

Erickson and Henner framed the request as support for sustained programming and outreach that draws regional visitors and benefits local businesses. Committee members heard the attendance figures and the funding request during the partner presentations portion of the agenda; no formal vote on the funding request was recorded at the meeting.

Context: the county's economic development staff reported an active calendar of outreach and events designed to support local business recruitment and tourism, including an Oct. 12 Vernon County Economic Development Network meeting and a Nov. 8 Vernon County Award Banquet to recognize businesses and community leaders.

Next steps: festival organizers and county staff will follow up as part of the 2024 partner contribution and budget process; the committee reviewed partner contributions while approving the draft 2024 budget later in the meeting.