As the Cadiz-Trigg County Tourist Commission prepares for the 48th Country Ham Festival, a unique blip has come up on the radar.
During Monday’s special-called meeting, Executive Director Beth Sumner confirmed that her office has until the end of December to utilize up to $70,000 in matching American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 funds…funds that must be used in very specific, legal ways.
Originally, Sumner said previous plans in place were for a Paducah firm to fabricate and install some wayfinding signs within the Cadiz and Trigg County communities — signs that would help direct out-of-town visitors to key points.
However, Sumner also said that this project has somewhat fallen to the wayside, and that a three-month turnaround on use-it-or-lose-it monies might not be feasible. She’s been in contact with state officials on the matter, and plans to use a Wednesday meeting in Murray for clarity.
Other ideas for the money, she said, could be a mobile kiosk or other unique advertising option outside of west Kentucky.
In other tourism news:
— Sumner noted that, most recently, GoCadiz.com sponsorship and advertising support had been provided to this past weekend’s barrel races at the Trigg County Recreation Complex and final Cadiz Cruz-In for the season, as well as the upcoming Trigg County Veteran’s Day Parade. Furthermore, she said that several previous invoices confirm that GoCadiz.com has been advertising through some streaming services.
— Director of Guest Services Jamie Lewis said leads to Cadiz and Trigg County continue to trend downward toward the fall and winter holidays, but visitors from Florida, Tennessee, Louisiana and South Carolina have increased due to hurricane season. With Helene in the rearview mirror and Milton up ahead, this trend is expected to continue. Also, Lewis said a family from Germany came through on a stop.
— Matt Ladd, also a member of the Parks & Recreation Board, said in regard to the West Cadiz Park playground update, officials are still awaiting the final proposal and approval from the Army Corps of Engineers.
Early renderings, however, show a “nice spot” where sidewalks will be improved, and enough money has been secured and put aside for the build.
— Sumner also assured she was prepared and excited to assist with this week’s festival, and that the City of Cadiz continues to rise to the occasion.
In order to create some needed B-roll and audio from the festival, perhaps for commercials or other promotional materials, Sumner said Cadiz-Trigg Tourism will be hiring someone for photography and videography work.
