EVELETH – IRRRB announces the recipients of its second round of FY17 Culture and Tourism Grant Program awards.

Grants totaling nearly $150,000 are awarded to 15 projects in northeastern Minnesota.

IRRRB Culture and Tourism grants are awarded on a competitive basis to non-profits within the IRRRB service area for arts, culture, heritage and recreational projects essential to quality of life and the economy.

IRRRB Culture and Tourism Grant Program FY17 second round awards:

Biwabik Civic Association, Biwabik - $1,500

To support creation of a Honk the Moose mascot costume to help promote Biwabik, Giants Ridge and the Mesabi Trail.

Borealis Art Guild, Hibbing - $10,000

To support acquisition of a high quality scanner to allow area artists to produce fine art quality prints.

Ely Folk School, Ely - $4,500

To support a marketing campaign outside the Arrowhead Region.

Eveleth Elks Lodge, Eveleth - $5,000

To support development of a 9-hole disc golf course in Eveleth.

Finland Historical Society, Finland - $16,250

To support restoration of the John Pine House Finnish Homestead and sauna building.

Grand Rapids Itasca Mountain Biking Association, Grand Rapids - $17,250

To support development of a mountain bike trail system at the Tioga Recreation Area.

Greenwood Community Recreation Board, Lake Vermilion - $15,000

To support recreation development at Greenwood Township Recreation Area.

Iron Range Historical Society, Gilbert - $10,000

To support redevelopment of the Skibo Vista east of Hoyt Lakes.

Iron Range Partnership for Sustainability, Virginia - $2,750

To support promotion of the Virginia Market Square Farmers Market and Growing Together Community Gardens.

Itasca Ski and Outing, Coleraine - $10,000

To support capital improvement roof repair at the Mount Itasca chalet.

Kaleva Building Corporation, Virginia - $7,000

To support capital improvement projects at Kaleva Hall.

Mesabi Musical Theatre, Gilbert – $6,000

To support the production of summer dinner theatres.

Northern Lights Nordic Ski Club, Grand Rapids - $17,250

To support construction of a public Nordic ski warming house/meeting space/storage building on Sugar Hills Trail south of Grand Rapids.

Old School Lives, Cotton - $7,500

To support signage and website improvements.

St. Louis County Historical Society, Hibbing - $20,000

To support development of a Hill of Three Waters exhibit at the new Hibbing mine view visitor center.