Washington County Tourism Promotion Agency announces $59,000 in new tourism grants

New commitments increase tourism support to $675,000 in 2025

Washington County, Pa., which is home to some of the region’s finest historical, entertainment and cultural attractions, continues to lead the southwestern Pennsylvania region in both economic and tourism growth.

To demonstrate this growth and their commitment to economic development through tourism, the Washington County Tourism Promotion Agency announced $59,000 in new tourism investments today at an event in the City of Washington’s Main Street Pavilion.

The event recognized the Tourism Agency’s investment in a new speaker system in pavilion courtesy of a tourism grant. This brings the total grants and sponsorships awarded by tourism this year to $675,000.

According to Jeff Kotula, President of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Promotion Agency, tourism is a major economic driver in the county. “The tourism industry continues to be a key contributor to Washington County’s economy. In fact, according to the most recent report from the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development, the tourism economy is responsible for $719.5 million in direct visitor spending per year and supports over 5,500 jobs across the county. These new investments in our tourism assets and attractions will support additional economic growth, improve the visitor experience, and increase our quality of life – attracting more leisure and business visitors as well as residents to our county,” Kotula stated.

During this final cycle of grant funding for 2025, tourism grants have been awarded to the Borough of Canonsburg, County Home Shows, Little A Town Arena, Little Lake Theatre Company, Sarris Candies, and Trax Farm Market to support a variety of marketing efforts to help attract visitors to these unique assets.

Patricia Knapp, Managing Director of Little Lake Theatre Company in North Strabane Township, expressed her appreciation of their partnership with the Tourism Agency: “We continue to be a proud partner of the Washington County Tourism Promotion Agency and appreciate their support through the annual grant program. This award will allow Little Lake to build on the momentum of our record-breaking 2024-2025 season, which saw attendance grow by 25 percent across all productions and ticket sales reach an all-time high. In addition, more than half of our patrons travel from zip codes outside Washington County for our performances. With this new grant, we will expand our marketing efforts and welcome even more visitors to discover the magic of both live theatre and Washington County.”

“We are thrilled to strengthen our partnership with the Tourism Promotion Agency as we work to position Sarris Candies as a premier destination experience. This grant will play a vital role in supporting the development of an immersive, guided tour through our newly expanded chocolate factory in Canonsburg. We look forward to welcoming more families and visitors to discover the artistry behind chocolate-making while showcasing the charm of Canonsburg and the rich offerings of Washington County in an exciting new way,” said William Sarris, CEO of Sarris Candies.

“It is well established that tourism is a significant industry for Washington County, but it is also important to recognize that these grants provide support where it is most impactful—the local businesses, communities, and events that make Washington County a special place. Many of these events would not be possible without the dedication of a legion of volunteers—our friends and neighbors—who give their time and energy to host these great events and welcome visitors to our county. Our gratitude goes out to these volunteers, because without their commitment, it would not be possible to have things like the PONY League World Series, Houston Pumpkin Festival, Washington County Agricultural Fair, West Alexander Fair, EQT Washington & Greene Counties’ Covered Bridge Festival, Canonsburg’s Pennsylvania Bavarian Oktoberfest, Charleroi’s Little Great Race, and countless other local traditions. We are proud to support these events that contribute so greatly toward the betterment of our communities and economy,” stated Kotula.