The Wood County Economic Development commission board voted last week to help sponsor the Skeeter boat owners tournament on Lake Fork for $1,500. The tournament had a leadership change last year and missed the deadline to apply for a larger HOT fund tourism grant as in year’s past.

The annual event draws thousands to the lake. This marks the 31st year and is scheduled June 5-8.

Chairman Tom Keenan updated the commission on the dementia research and treatment facility planned in Quitman. He said that $150,000 had been secured to assist with the project, and more grants will be sought along with finishing the steps to secure the $6 million federal USDA grant and hiring a project manager.

Keenan noted that the Sabine River Authority plans a fireworks show at the Caney Point Recreation Area at Lake Fork for the Fourth of July’s America 250 celebration, along with music and food trucks – called Stars Over Fork.

He recommended WCEDC promote all such celebrations across the county.

Directors discussed additional funding for the Rock the Pines Christian music festival planned Labor Day weekend at the Mineola Nature Preserve.

It is receiving $5,000, but the city of Mineola, which was also awarded a tourism grant for a future concert at the preserve and requested to transfer those fund to Rock the Pines instead.

The city has partnered with Rock the Pines and won’t be using the HOT funds.

Directors agreed to request the city send a send a letter that it is returning  the funds. Those dollars will be considered for additional funding for the concert as well as other grant recipients.

Tourism committee chairman Pam Swanner reported the committee will be meeting monthly with chambers of commerce and tourism bureaus.

Airport education committee chairman Cody Mize reported they will be exploring the possibility of training certifications for air frame and power plant.