BIG HAT, BIG MONEY. Toby Keith performed at Country Jam USA in 2019.

Chippewa Valley event venues and other live events businesses that suffered because of the pandemic are slated to get $1.8 million in new grants from a state program.

Gov. Tony Evers announced more than $27 million to 204 venues and businesses statewide on Tuesday. The funds, which came via the federal American Rescue Plan Act, were administered by the state Department of Administration. They are part of total investment of $140 million in the state’s entertainment and tourism industries.

“These businesses play a critical role in building a strong economy as they bring people together from all over the state and country for weddings, family reunions, business conferences, and so much more,” Evers said in a media release.

Grant recipients located or operating in Chippewa, Dunn, and Eau Claire counties included Country Jam USA, Blue Ox Music Festival, the Northern Wisconsin State Fair, the Florian Gardens, King Pin Management, Volume One Magazine, and Race Day Events, all of whom will receive $200,000 each. Other recipients and the amounts they will receive include Best Sound and Light Show LLC ($107,250), Running-Light Productions ($20,600), On The Go Bus ($146,845), and the Mabel Tainter Literary, Library, and Educational Society ($119,537).

“The event venue and live event small business assistance grants were created to address the revenue shortfalls experienced by event venues and small businesses that cater to live events during the pandemic,” the media release state.

Learn more about the Live Event Small Business Assistance Grants here and the Event Venue Assistance Grants here.