Top Story:
Carlinville Christmas Market receives two grants

The 2009 Carlinville Christmas Market scheduled for December 4th through 6th is getting a boost from the Macoupin County Board and Macoupin County Tourism Commission.

Macoupin County has awarded a grant of $6,900 to the Carlinville Christmas Market to help promote the holiday event on a large scale to attract visitors on a regional basis for overnight stays to Macoupin County.

“We are thankful for the continued support of Macoupin County to the Carlinville Christmas Market,” said Debbie Zilm, President of the Carlinville Christmas Market Foundation Board of Directors. Zilm noted that 2009 marks the second consecutive year of financial support from Macoupin County.

County Board Chairman Andrew Manar said that the Carlinville Christmas Market provides an important boost to the local economy during the holiday season.

“One of the missions of the Christmas Market is to support economic development in Macoupin County,” said Manar. “We know that the impact the Market has on our local economy is significant.”

The grant awarded by the Macoupin County Tourism Commission is funded by a local hotel/motel tax revenue authorized by State law. The Macoupin County Tourism Commission was created in 2007 to help coordinate efforts to promote tourism across Macoupin County. Its members, like the members of the Carlinville Christmas Market Board of Directors, serve on a volunteer basis.

“The dedicated volunteers for both organizations should be commended for their continued efforts to promote Macoupin County,” said Manar. Manar noted that without volunteers who devote their time and expertise, events like the Christmas Market would not be possible.

The 2009 Christmas Market marks the 20th Anniversary for the event. The Christmas Market Foundation is a non-profit organization formed in 2006 that includes a diverse group of local civic leaders who have proven their devotion to the Market as well as the well-being of their community.

More information on the Market can be seen at www.carlinvillechristmasmarket.com.

Source: Macoupin County Enquirer-Democrat, November 25, 2009