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.”

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.

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

“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.”

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