The Newton Arboretum and Botanical Garden has been approved to receive a tourism grant from the City of Newton for the upcoming Spring Plant Sale.
The arboretum has been approved for the Newton Hotel and Motel Tourism Grant Program, which will provide approximately $942 to support the annual event held on May 3 and May 4, according to city documents. is to be provided. The sale draws a large number of people, and volunteer activities began last year. We are actively marketing throughout Jasper County.
The spring plant sale is named “The Garden Awakens” after the date of the “Star Wars”-related event (may the “Fourth” be with you). Current plans are to hold a VIP sale on May 3rd from 5pm to 7pm for the first selection of inventory and the purchase of a raffle ticket to win one of two Blackstone Grills .
There is a $5 admission fee to preview the sale. Volunteers also encourage guests to eat lunch in town, go shopping, or attend a women’s wellness event at Legacy Plaza after purchasing spring plants.
The Newton Hotel and Motel Tourism Grant Program is a way for the City to fund numerous community projects, special events and initiatives through local hotel and motel taxes. The purpose is to encourage the development, continuation and promotion of events that attract visitors from outside the city of Newton.
Application deadlines are October 1st and April 1st of each calendar year. Grant amounts range from $500 to $2,500 and must represent 25 percent of the total project budget. All applicants must meet with community development staff before submitting their application.
Ina Heidemann, a volunteer with Project Awake, which operates the Newton Arboretum, promoted the spring plant sale at the April 15 City Council meeting.
“I have the plant you’re looking for,” she said.
