Balloons to ballet, grants run gamut

Santa Claus came early for 23 Chester County organizations that will receive grants approved last week and designed to improve county attractions.

Following the recommendations of the Chester County Conference and Visitors Bureau Foundation, the county commissioners awarded two capital grants: Green Valleys Association at Welkinweir received $3,000 for trail improvements and signage, while the Schuylkill River Heritage Centre received $20,000 for its visitors' center.

Marketing and events grants were approved for 21 organizations: the American Helicopter Museum,$12,000;  the Brandywine Ballet, $1,500; the Brandywine Singers, $800; the Brandywine Valley Wine Trail, $8,500; the Chester County Balloon Festival, $2,500; the Chester County Conference and Visitors Bureau, $15,000; the Chester County Historical Society, $10,000; the Chester County Parks and Recreation Department, $9,000; Chester County Hospital, $10,000; the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce, $5,000; Historic Kennett Square, $10,000; Jenkins Arboretum and Gardens, $5,000; Kennett Symphony, $5,000; Oxford Arts Alliance, $2,500; Oxford Main Street, $5,000; Paoli Blues Fest, $10,000; People's Light & Theatre Co., $7,500; Phoenixville, $2,500; West Chester BID, $5,000; West Chester Film Festival, $7,000; and Town Tours and Village Walks, $6,500.