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4| Collaboration
<br />Response 4.1: If your organization collaborates or has created partnerships with other organizations, groups, or other events,
<br />how is this accomplished?*
<br />Response 4.2: Describe how you will promote lodging establishments, restaurants, and business located in Kittitas County *
<br />Response 4.3: Is there a host hotel for your event or grant project? If yes, list the hotel.*
<br />Application Questions: Part 3
<br />KEEN has a long history of collaboration in Central Washington. Since 1999, KEEN has worked with schools, Central
<br />Washington University, Washington State Parks, land management agencies, and local nonprofits to provide outdoor science
<br />education, summer camps, habitat restoration projects, and community events. These partnerships allow KEEN to expand its
<br />reach, bring high-quality programming to youth and families, and strengthen the culture of stewardship and outdoor learning in
<br />Kittitas County.
<br />For the Cider-N-Gold Festival, KEEN has formed a unique partnership with the Swauk Mining District (SMD), combining KEEN’s
<br />WindFall CiderFest with SMD’s Pacific Northwest Miner’s Rally & Outdoor Show. This collaboration blends two traditions—craft
<br />cider and live music with mining heritage, gem and mineral vendors, and outdoor education—creating a new signature event for
<br />Central Washington.
<br />Partnerships are accomplished through shared planning, cost-sharing, and clear division of responsibilities, with KEEN leading
<br />cider tastings, music, and environmental education booths, while SMD manages venue rental, security, camping, and vendor
<br />coordination. Beyond this major collaboration, KEEN also engages with local breweries, food trucks, artisan vendors, and
<br />regional cideries, ensuring that local businesses benefit directly from the event.
<br />By maintaining open communication, leveraging each partner’s strengths, and aligning around shared community goals, KEEN
<br />and SWD will ensure collaborations are mutually beneficial, sustainable, and impactful for the broader community.
<br />2500 character limit
<br />The Cider-N-Gold Festival is designed not only as a celebration of cider, music, and mining heritage, but also as a driver of
<br />economic impact for Kittitas County. Our promotions will highlight local lodging, restaurants, and businesses as part of the visitor
<br />experience.
<br />Lodging: Festival marketing will encourage overnight stays by promoting hotels, motels, B&Bs, and campgrounds in Ellensburg
<br />and surrounding areas. On-site RV and tent camping will also be offered, with local lodging options highlighted on the event
<br />website, social media, and ticketing pages.
<br />Restaurants: We will showcase Ellensburg restaurants and eateries as “Festival Dining Partners,” directing guests to extend
<br />their stay and explore local cuisine. In addition, local food trucks will be featured on-site as part of the festival experience.
<br />Retail & Businesses: The event will include artisan and outdoor vendors, with preference given to local businesses. We will also
<br />promote Ellensburg’s historic downtown shopping district in visitor information and encourage attendees to explore while in
<br />town.
<br />Outdoor Destinations: KEEN will encourage visitors to extend their stay by highlighting Helen McCabe Park, an outdoor learning
<br />and recreation destination, while the Swauk Mining District will promote Liberty, an historic mining community where visitors can
<br />learn more about regional mining heritage. These locations provide authentic, family-friendly experiences that connect visitors
<br />more deeply with the area.
<br />Regional Marketing: Our outreach through social media, regional event calendars, radio, and tourism partners will position the
<br />festival as a destination event, encouraging visitors from Seattle, Spokane, Portland, and surrounding areas to spend the
<br />weekend in Kittitas County.
<br />By actively integrating lodging, dining, business promotion, and nearby outdoor attractions into our festival marketing and visitor
<br />communications, the Cider-N-Gold Festival ensures a direct and lasting economic benefit for Kittitas County.
<br />2500 character limit
<br />No
<br />Yes
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