IN BRIEF: TOURISM, FILM AND THE ARTS NEWS

New Maryland Tourism Development Board members meet at Ripken Stadium
The Maryland Tourism Development Board's newest members met at Ripken Stadium on August 14 and were introduced to Maryland Office of Tourism staff and its programs. Amid lively and interactive discussions, board members expressed a keen interest in helping to advance the office's goal of increased revenue generation from visitor spending. The meeting was followed by a personal tour of the stadium by fellow board member Bill Ripken. To learn more about the board members, including photos and brief descriptions, visit our new Maryland Tourism Development Board - 2007 Web page.

Lt. Governor Brown to speak at GTIC
The Office of Tourism is pleased to announce that Maryland Lt. Governor Anthony Brown will be attending on November 15 the Maryland Governor's Tourism Industry Conference. Lt. Governor Brown will introduce Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation & Tourism Secretary Angéle Davis. Secretary Davis has helped the state of Lousiana to move forward in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina with an inspiring program of determination and vision. On the Net: Maryland Governor's Tourism Industry Conference

Annapolis named one of the top waterfront towns in the U.S.
National Geographic Adventure magazine has named Annapolis one of the top waterfront towns in the country. In its first guide to the best mountain, urban, waterfront, wilderness and small towns in all 50 states, the magazine ranked the state's capitol as one of the nine best waterfront places to live and play. On the Net: National Geographic

Calvert County's tourism industry continues to flourish
The latest year-end statistics compiled by the Calvert County Department of Economic Development prove that Calvert County remains a hot tourist destination, two years in a row. The records for FY2007, the period from July 1, 2006 to June 30, 2007, show that visitor counts for the County's main attractions are up an average of 9.37 percent over 2006 - a year when the same statistics showed a 12.54 percent increase. In FY2007, 368,607 people visited the County's tourist sites, 31,576 more than last year. On the Net: Calvert County DED

"Rocket Science" takes off
A made-in-Maryland film, "Rocket Science" opens exclusively at the Charles Theatre in Baltimore on August 24. "Rocket Science" was the first recipient of a Maryland Film Production Rebate Fund and filmed in the Baltimore area in late summer 2006 even though the movie takes place in New Jersey. "Rocket Science" had its world premiere at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival where Jeffrey Blitz, the director and a Hopkins graduate, won the award for Best Director. On the Net: Rocket Science

Another Maryland film invades theaters
Warner Bros. The Invasion, which filmed in Maryland and stars Nicole Kidman and Daniel Craig, opened nationwide on Friday, August 17 in theaters. "The Invasion" is a nightmarish journey into a world where the only way to stay alive is to stay awake. The mysterious crash of a space shuttle leads to the terrifying discovery that there is something alien within the wreckage. Keep a close eye out for budding film talent Brandon Price, who plays "John" in the film. Brandon is the son of DBED employee Lettie Haynes! On the Net: The Invasion

IN THE NEWS

Allegany Arts
Growth isn't always good - our midsections being a case in point - but the newly approved expansion of Cumberland’s Arts and Entertainment District is good news all around, for the city, the region and the arts community. (Cumberland Times-News; August 10)

Praise for Annapolis
Less than 24 hours after Maryland's capital city was named as one of the top waterfront destinations in the United States by National Geographic Adventure magazine, Annapolis' convention and visitors bureau is already looking into ways to cash in. (Daily Record; August 15)

Music festivals help boost tourism in Charm City
Baltimore hosted the Paetec Jazz Festival this past weekend and the Virgin Festival at the beginning of August. Early returns from both events have impressed event and city officials. (Baltimore Examiner; August 15)

Harford horse panel saddles up
Robert L. Johnson can readily recall the famous horses that ran at the Havre de Grace track in Harford County more than a half century ago. He is certain that the town's rich history is reason enough to build a new horse park and revive the state's equine industry. (Baltimore Sun; August 10)

EVENTS CALENDAR

Keys to Frederick public art project
Have you seen the fiberglass crabs in Baltimore? Or the pandas, donkeys, and elephants in D.C?  How about the life-size turtles at the University of Maryland?  The Frederick Arts Council is hosting a public art project on the streets of downtown Frederick from August 21- October 21 with approximately 20 to 30 fiberglass old-fashioned gate keys in honor of Frederick's relationship with Francis Scott Key.  The project is part of FAC's 30th anniversary celebration.  On the Net: www.keystofrederick.org.

Maryland State Arts Council FY2008 grants deadlines

• Arts in Communities Grants: September 19, 2007; January 16, 2008
• Community Arts Development/Technical Assistance Grants: October 17, 2007, February 21, 2008
• Community Arts Development NEA/Challenge America: October 25, 2007, February 15, 2008
• Grants for Organizations/Technical Assistance Grants: October 18, 2007; February 7, 2008
• Grants for Organizations: October 11, 2007
  
  More grants information

Events on the horizon

Harbor East Arts Festival, Baltimore, August 25
Maryland State Fair, Timonium, August 24 - September 3
Maryland Renaissance Festival, Crownsville, August 25 - October 21
The Maryland Wine Festival, Westminster, September 15 and 16
Sunfest, Ocean City, September 20 - 23
Motocross of Nations, St. Mary's, September 22 - 23