The City of West Bend Tourism Commission awarded five event promotion grants in the amount of $15,000 to support upcoming events that attract visitors and enhance economic impact in the community. The grant funds are intended to assist with promotional efforts for established or expanding events taking place between May and September.
The Spring/Summer Event Promotion Grant recipients include:
- $5,000 to the Museum of Wisconsin Art for Art & Chalk Fest 2026, August 1–2
- $5,000 to Habitat for Humanity of Washington & Dodge Counties for West Bend Germanfest, Aug. 27-30
- $2,000 to West Bend Friends of Sculpture for Sculpture & Savor on September 5
- $1,000 to the Downtown West Bend Association and the Museum of Wisconsin Art for ArtWalk Premiere & Auction, running May 2–August 28
- $1,000 to The Bend Theater for the Music on Main Block Party on May 28
- $1,000 to West Bend Friends of Park & Recreation for the Regner Park Summer Concert Series, June 19–July 18
“The Tourism Commission is proud to support events that bring people into West Bend and highlight the unique experiences our community offers,” said Tourism Commission Chairman Mike Jentsch in a press release. “These events not only enrich quality of life for residents, they also play an important role in attracting visitors and supporting our local economy.”
One of the primary goals of the Tourism Commission’s grant program is to attract overnight visitors to West Bend hotels.
Tourism Commission members include Mike Jentsch, Parks, Recreation and Forestry Director and Chairman; Aldermen Rhett Engelking and Matthew Sternig; Kirk Emerich, Business Representative and Vice Chairman; and Linda Cherney, Industry Representative.
