Rockland County announced its major tourism grants at Boulder Stadium on Tuesday, July 6, and Sloatsburg scored several key hits.

The Friends of Harmony Hall and the Sloatsburg Chamber of Commerce each were awarded vital tourism grants that will benefit the entire corridor community.

Even as the Covid-19 pandemic caused shutdowns and reduced service for local businesses, Sloatsburg’s collaborative groups have been awarded for past efforts and future potential. Together, the RCT grants have awarded Sloatsburg groups for big, inclusive tourism and economic revitalization ideas.

Harmony Hall’s Highlands Bluegrass Festival last took place in 2019 and was an amazing local success, with people spilling into the village from across the Hudson Valley. The number one complaint with the festival was finding a place to park.

Meanwhile, the Sloatsburg Chamber‘s nurturing of Explore Harriman has continued to pay dividends, as the campaign has positioned Sloatsburg and western Rockland County as an important gateway to NY state recreational via Harriman State Park. New Yorkers and north New Jersey residents have increasingly visited the area to take advantage of easy park access and businesses in the village that cater to them.

Sloatsburg’s latest improvement that will help welcome visitors is the Mill Street Park and parking lot, across the street from the Sloatsburg Train Station.

The Rockland County Tourism grants have done in Sloatsburg precisely what they’re intended to do — stimulate collaboration between public and private groups while promoting economic revitalization.

The corridor communities of Suffern and Sloatsburg (include Tuxedo for its close proximity) were again big winners in the Rockland County Tourism grant award announcement for county non-profit groups on Monday, January 22.

Sloatsburg’s Harmony Hall via the Friends of Harmony Hall was a big winner, as it was awarded $20,000 by Rockland County Tourism to promote the Highlands Bluegrass Festival and associated historical and educational activities. A singular Rockland County big-tent event, the Bluegrass Festival has become a Sloatsburg fall season kick off event.

The Explore Harriman campaign was awarded $12, 995 and has been a significant voice in promoting Sloatsburg and the corridor communities that include Suffern and even Tuxedo.