Kent County Levy Court won the top award at the 22nd Annual Celebration of Tourism held November 1 in Dover. Vision, understanding and support of tourism in Kent County – and leadership of the proposed Kent County Regional Sports Complex – were cited as reasons for the award.
Three additional surprise awards were presented during the annual luncheon:
– Tom Smith, former shopkeeper of the Delaware Made General Store, was presented with a tourism service award for serving not only as a founding Board member of Kent County Tourism, but for 22 years of board service, having retired earlier this year.
– Linda Parkowski, Director of the Delaware Tourism Office, presented two awards to Kent County Tourism from the American Bus Association for the Dover Days Festival and the Delaware Wine and Beer Festival, two Kent County Tourism events that were named “Top 100 USA” events.
– The third surprise was a $5,500 “Illuminate Dover” donation presented by Greg Bostrom, director of the Firefly Music Festival (Attraction of the Year for 2013), to the Route 13 Beautification Committee. Additional awards presented at the event included:
– Partner of the Year was Redner’s Warehouse Markets, recognized for their expanded business presence in Kent County as well as their support of the Amish Country Bike Tour and the Dover Days Festival.
– Volunteers of the Year was the Amish Country Bike Tour Road Marking Crew.
– Legislator of the Year was Senator Brian Bushweller was recognized for his support of many projects in Kent County, including several that will directly benefit tourism.
