ELKINS – The Randolph County Commission approved a funding request in the amount of $3,000 by the Rotary Club of Elkins at its most recent meeting.

The Elkins Rotary Club requested the funding to help support its annual Rotary International Festival, scheduled for May 30 at the Rotary Amphitheater behind the Elkins Railroad Depot.

Rotary Club member Hoy Ferguson made the request and addressed Commissioners David Kesling and Cris Siler during the meeting.

“The funds that we get from raising money that day go to support our county schools and libraries with their grants,” Ferguson said. “Last year you guys were kind enough to approve a funding request of $3,000, so we are requesting the same again this year.”

Ferguson said that the money provided by the Randolph County Commission will help with some of the costs it takes to present the event.

“It (funding) helps offset some of the cost of having the event and you guys will be recognized as a sponsor of the event,” Ferguson said. “It is open to the public; however, if you want one of the raffle tickets it does cost to be part of the raffle. But the entertainment that day will be open to the public and we have local food vendors too. So our local restaurants participate in this as well.”

The event will take place from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. and will feature local vendors serving up international flavors and unique eats. Entertainment and details on the raffle will be announced at a later date.

At last year’s event, close to 40 prizes were given out during the Festival. Some of the prizes included $1,000, $500, vacation packages, electronics, and gift certificates. For information about attending this year’s event or to sign up to be a food vendor, visit the Rotary Club of Elkins’ Facebook page.

The funding provided from the County Commission will be taken out of the hotel-motel tax line item in the county budget.

Due to early voting in Randolph County, the Commission’s next meeting has been moved from May 7 to May 14. The County Commission’s second meeting of the month will be on May 28.