Some of Powell’s biggest events coming up can rely on all the grant funding they asked for from the Park County Travel Council, which approved all that was requested for Plaza Diane’s Oktoberfest, Christmas Fest and next year’s Plaza@5:30. 

The council also approved funds to support Cody’s trick or treat and Cody Cowboy Christmas during its Aug. 21 meeting. 

It was the first dip for the council in the new fiscal year into the nearly $40,000 it has set aside to give away to various nonprofit groups who request help to fund mainly community events. 

Oktoberfest is returning after a hiatus and replaces Plaza Palooza Summer Arts Fest, said board member Toby Bonner, who is also on the Plaza Diane board. 

“It’s a tremendous event and we’re all excited about it,” he said, adding the event will feature polka bands and craft beers from around the region, which generally draws in crowds from all around. 

The event organizers asked for and received $1,825. 

Plaza Diane’s Christmas Fest asked for and received $2,427.50, up from $2,200 the year before; the Plaza@5:30 music series asked for and received $1,825, up from $1,525 the year before; and the Powell Swim Club’s 2026 Winter Fiesta Swim Meet, in a first, asked for and received $500 for the event that brings in swimmers from around the region. 

Cody’s Downtown Trick or Treat event once again received the $500 it has historically asked for, while the Cody Cowboy Christmas Parade and Stroll received $2,000 after asking for $2,500, up from $1,000 received the year before. 

Cody Country Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jennifer Thoma said the organizers are trying to draw in more people from the region to the event this year via a regional marketing campaign hitting publications from Cheyenne to Montana. 

“We’re just hitting it pretty hard from the regional level,” she said.

(Editor’s note: Toby Bonner is the general manager and an owner of the Powell Tribune.)