Washington's Trail 1753 president Marty O'Brien, right, accepts the award for tourism Ambassador of the Year from Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau president Jack Cohen Thursday at the bureau's 2022 Toast to Tourism dinner at the Tanglewood Center. Seb Foltz/Butler Eagle.

BUTLER TWP — The Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau (BCTCB) awarded $100,000 to 28 Butler County travel and tourism businesses and organizations at the annual Toast to Tourism Dinner Thursday evening at the Tanglewood Center in Lyndora.

The winners, which were among the largest group to receive grants, collectively received twice the amount that has been awarded in past years.

“The purpose of the grant program is to enhance to tourism experience,” BCTCB President Jack Cohen said. “It will increase visitation and overnight stays in Butler County.”

Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau president Jack Cohen speaks at the 2022 Toast to Tourism Thursday at the Tanglewood Center. Seb Foltz/Butler Eagle

Grants were awarded for a number of Butler County projects, including downtown Butler’s Main Street beautification project and the addition of a sand beach area and dock repair at Porter’s Cove at Moraine State Park.

Grants ranged in value from $500 to $5,000. Applicants had to be members or partner with a member of the bureau to be eligible for the grants.

Among the winners was the Butler-Freeport Community Trail Council, represented by Chris Ziegler.

“This is our 30th anniversary,” Ziegler said. “I think it’s great that it was an in-person event this year, and there always is a really good showing.”

Suzanne Trew of Sweetwater Farms in Harmony was there to accept the grant on behalf of the local farmers market.

“I’m really excited to bring fresh fruit and produce to the community,” Trew said.

The Zelienople Area Business Association received grant money as well, which will be used to help organize their annual Horse Trading Days.

“We want to bring big bands into town,” Joel Grobe of ZABA said. “The good thing about Zelienople with it being so small, even if you are not in the concert venue, you are still going to hear the concert.”

Retired Judge Martin O’Brien was recognized as the 2022 Butler County Tourism Ambassador of the Year who was instrumental in the establishment of Washington’s Trail 1753.

“It’s a real surprise,” O’Brien said. “I’d like to thank the people that started Washington’s trail with me. The road signs have been a popular design. They basically go from Butler County to Erie.”

The trail traces the path then 21-year-old George Washington took on his first diplomatic trip from Williamsburg, Va., through Butler County, ending at Fort LeBouef in Northwest Pennsylvania.

“Marty always thinks of Butler County first,” Cohen said. “There is nothing better than someone that has the passion to move this project forward.”

The evening had a 1920’s theme and featured a display of Bantam Jeeps throughout the venue.

Keynote speaker Steve Cicero, "The History Hobo" presents at the Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau 2022 Toast to Tourism at the Tanglewood Center Thursday. Seb Foltz/Butler Eagle 05/05/22

Former Butler Area School District teacher and event Keynote Speaker Steve Cicero gave a presentation on the history of downtown Butler.

Sheriff Mike Slupe also took the podium to talk about the Can-Am games which helps support local fire and police departments.