Governor Larry Hogan announced that $2 million in grant funding will be distributed among 11 arts and cultural organizations, including $467,000 to the Maryland Science Center in Baltimore and $790,000 to the Maryland State Arts Council, reversing a mid-year funding reduction. “The First Lady and I are huge proponents of the arts, and I am excited that we have been able to restore this grant money," said Governor Hogan. "My administration is committed to providing full funding for the arts in a fiscally responsible manner."

The 11 organizations to receive the funding are: the Maryland Science Center, the Maryland Historical Society, Center Stage, Arts Every Day and Arena Players in Baltimore City; Sotterley Plantation in St. Mary's County; Doleman Black Heritage Museum in Washington County; Prince George’s African American Museum in Prince George's County; along with these statewide organizations: the Maryland State Arts Council, Young Audiences of Maryland, and the Maryland Humanities Council. Much of the funding will be further disbursed by the Maryland State Arts Council to more than 150 arts organizations and programs throughout the state, as well as to the designated county arts councils in all 23 counties and Baltimore City.

Liz Fitzsimmons, executive director, Maryland Office of Tourism Development (OTD) was on hand for the grand opening of the Howard County Ale Trail and launch of the accompanying app. “Introducing HowardOnTap is an exciting next step in the digital marketing of our destination to tech savvy 21st-century travelers,” said Rachelina Bonacci, CEO of Howard County Tourism and Promotion. Howard County Tourism & Promotion partnered with a pair of locally-owned and operated businesses, tech firm TownSprout and graphic designers Octavo Designs, in developing the innovative craft beer trail app. The HowardOnTap app is free to download and has all the necessary information on area breweries, brew pubs, ale houses and more. The app tracks user progress along the trail and users are eligible for prizes and promotions. The app also facilitates hotel bookings, taxis and Uber to make sure users “Tap the App” safely and responsibly.

“We’ve found that craft beer enthusiasts are looking for ways to find out where they can enjoy locally brewed beers,” says Fitzsimmons. “This sort of partnership between county tourism offices working with local innovators to promote world-class, homegrown Maryland products is another way to encourage consumers to indulge their five senses in Maryland.” For more information and to download the app, visit www.HowardOnTap.com.

The Maryland Film Office is excited to announce that History Channel’s hit reality show American Pickers will be coming to the State in August. The show follows Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz on their journey across the United States, searching for diamonds in the rough among the forgotten junk in people’s basements and sheds. Wolfe and Fritz have more than ten years of antique hunting experience between them, and they “pick” everything from vintage cars and motorcycles to Civil War memorabilia and movie posters.

“This is a great way to highlight unique collectors in Maryland and the stories behind their collections,” says Jack Gerbes, director, Maryland Film Office. While in Maryland, American Pickers will be visiting private sellers only; no shops or flea markets. Now may be the time to take a look in that closet where you’ve stored your family’s old belongings—if you have ever seen the show you know that one person’s junk can be Wolfe and Fritz’ treasure. If you or someone you know has an item of interest and is interested in being featured on the show, email americanpickers@cineflix.com or call 1-855-OLD-RUST and leave a message.

Summer means family fun, and there’s nothing quite like a county fair to bring people together. Highlighting the unique assets of Maryland’s diverse landscape, county fairs make a great way to reconnect with home or get to know a new part of the Old Line State. The Kent County Fair runs July 17-18, Washington County Ag Expo and Fair July 17-25, Baltimore County 4-H Fair July 18-19, Allegany County Fair and Ag Expo July 18-25, and the Somerset County Fair runs July 21-27. With rides, animals, fantastic food and more, these great festivals are not to be missed!

The Maryland Heritage Areas Authority (MHAA) announced 52 matching grants totaling more than $2.6 million to Maryland non-profits, local jurisdictions and other heritage tourism organizations including museums, historic preservation, natural resources, cultural and educational organizations. These grant funds support heritage tourism projects and activities that draw visitors and expand economic development and tourism-related job creation throughout Maryland. “Tourism is the 10th largest private sector employer in Maryland, providing over 138,000 jobs and more than $15 billion of visitor spending each year,” said Governor Hogan. "I congratulate Maryland’s 13 Certified Heritage Areas and their tourism partners who help support Maryland's economic development by attracting tourists who focus their travels on the history, culture and the natural beauty our great state has to offer.”

For more information and a complete listing of grant recipients, visit mht.maryland.gov.

Nominations for the 2015 Maryland Tourism Awards — as selected by the Maryland Office of Tourism Development and the Maryland Tourism Development Board (MTDB) — will be accepted until 5p.m. on August 31. Award categories are: Economic Engine; Tourism Partnership; Cultural Heritage, Sports & Culinary Tourism and Visit Maryland. A program overview and a nomination form are available online.

The awards pay tribute to individuals, organizations, businesses or governmental agencies that have significantly contributed to the efforts of the tourism office and board to boost jobs and economic impact in Maryland's tourism industry, and enhance the state's image to travelers. Winners will be announced at the Maryland Tourism and Travel Summit. For more information, call or e-mail Jennifer Jones, 410-767-6296.

Register now to attend CRUSA Goes Global: 2016 International Marketing Summit! Program highlights include the latest economic impact figures – overseas arrivals to and spending in the Capital Region; selling to and servicing the Chinese traveler; and best practices for international digital marketing and social media. Hosted on August 11th at the Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington, Virginia, your registration includes program handouts, lunch, networking opportunities, entry into a prize drawing and more.

Each week, the Maryland Minute provides highlights and insights on this weekend’s events around the state. Maryland Minute is featured on CBS radio stations in Baltimore and Washington, D.C. and on Baltimore’s WBAL-AM 1090.