Sen. Greg Reed (R-Jasper) and Rep. Matt Woods (R-Jasper) announced on Wednesday a $20,000 product development grant in conjunction with the Alabama Department of Tourism for Jasper Main Street in support of the annual Foothills Festival in downtown Jasper.
In 2015, the City of Jasper formed a partnership with Main Street Alabama in hopes of reviving the downtown businesses and lifestyle. With that collaboration, the Foothills Festival gained several contributors – City of Jasper, Japer Main Street and various local business organizations to bolster and incite attendance for the festival.
“Jasper Main Street continues to do a great job promoting and supporting events taking place in our community. I appreciate the Department of Tourism for returning tax dollars to our community by awarding Jasper Main Street with this product development grant,” Woods said. “This grant will be used to enhance the 2023 Foothills Festival by attracting top tier talent and visitors to our restaurants, shops, and hotels.”
Jasper Main Street continues to support the Foothills Festival, which is one of Alabama’s premier music festivals drawing more than 20,000 people annually to Northwest Alabama. Home to the Foothills Festival, Jasper sits at the base of the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, which extend through Northeast Alabama into the Birmingham region.
“I am so appreciative of the Department of Tourism and Jasper Main Street for their collaboration with this product development grant. For nearly 10 years, it has been the mission of Jasper Main Street to recruit new businesses, renovate and improve structures, and drive up the economy through various ventures and the Foothill Festival certainly aids in that effort,” Reed said. “The Foothills Festival brings not only thousands of visitors to Northwest Alabama but also introduces Jasper to people from all walks of life. The music, culture, food and vendors that arrive in town for the two-day event brings a breath of fresh air to our charming community.”
Jasper Mayor David O’Mary said the funding presented by the local legislative delegation and the work done by Jasper Main Street is vital to the continued growth of Jasper.
“It is great to have our local delegation support Jasper Main Street. Main Street deserves much credit for the growth we are experiencing in our City,” O’Mary said.
The Foothills Festival is currently scheduled for September 2023. For more information, please see https://www.foothillsjasper.com.
