Trailblazer Hall of Fame

All the Trailblazers, all in one place

2019 Trailblazer Award Winners

Amanda DeCastro ·
IG @busyingrovecity

2019 Altogether Adventure® Trailblazer

A new category in 2019, this award is for an influencer, local partner or organization that takes full advantage of the benefits of utilizing the Visit Grove City brand: Altogether Adventure. The Altogether Adventure® Trailblazer takes a unique and memorable approach to highlighting, showcasing and sharing inclusive, well-rounded, and engaging Altogether Adventure®. The 2019 recipient has a passion that exceeds the average citizen and has proven to be a true ambassador. They continue to share their sense of adventure on social media and have also contributed to monthly publications, like BeLocal Grove City Magazine. She is now a Certified Tourism Ambassador and will extend her commitment to all things local. She certainly lives up to her Instagram page name, “@Busy in Grove City”

Amanda DeCastro · <br> IG <a href="https://www.instagram.com/busyingrovecity/">@busyingrovecity</a>

Southwest Franklin County Historical Society

2019 Attraction, Business, Organization Trailblazer

The 2019 Attraction, Business, Organization Trailblazer winner is noted for “caring so deeply about our history and our heritage.” In addition to managing the museum, Grant-Sawyer House and Century Village, this team hosts incredible community events and engages community members and visitors in such a welcoming way.

Southwest Franklin County Historical Society

Grove City Farmers Market (by Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce)

2019 Community Event Trailblazer

A community event that not only brings together our local community but also aims to create a memorable visitor experience. Every season, this year’s Trailblazing event brings fun and new components. From a chef cook-off and cooking demonstrations to an earth-friendly gardening corner and compost drop-off location. As their nominator said, “Not only do we feel the sense of community every Saturday morning from May through September, visitors to the Grove City area have taken note and return to buy local and enjoy the Grove City vibe.” 2019’s Community Event award winner is the Grove City Farmer’s Market put on by our friends at the Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce.

Grove City Farmers Market (by Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce)

Alex Rogers of Alex is Social

2019 Individual Trailblazer

An individual who demonstrates excellence in creating a positive visitor experience and goes beyond in everything they do. This person was nominated three times for their efforts to highlight the very best of the Grove City area. By sharing and utilizing their talents to create brand awareness for local businesses and assist these businesses with their social media presence, this individual understands the value of what our destination has to offer. As his nominator stated, “Alex is dedicated to his family, business associates, and friends – his heart is always in his hometown!”

Alex Rogers of <a href="http://alexissocial.com/">Alex is Social</a>

2018 Trailblazer Award Winners

Kickmaster Footgolf

2018 Attraction, Business, Organization Trailblazer

From the experience they provide visitors, to their enhancement of the community’s image, they are always seeking to improve the tourism industry in Grove City. Per the nomination form, this business or attraction is said to be… “a gathering place, a place for celebration. A Place to learn new things. A place for fun… A place where adults can play like kids and kids can be kids!” It is said to be so unique that there isn’t any place like it in Central Ohio, or possibly any place in the world! The nominator said, “I think [they] should win because it is a unique and unforgettable experience which makes Grove City stand out.”

Arts in the Alley (by the Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce)

2018 Community Event Trailblazer

A community event which not only brings together our local community, but also aims to create a memorable visitor experience. Event organizers continually strive to improve the vent and the Grove City tourism industry. Our 2018 event Trailblazer welcomes over 35,000 attendees annually and has been around for almost 40 years. We’ve probably already given it away, if not, you’ll likely figure it out when we tell you that this event creates an opportunity for thousands of artists and musicians to showcase their gifts and talents. The nominator said, “…give specialty shows, Fine Arts, Quilt, Youth Art, Crafts, and Photography have been the launch of the career of many emerging artisans.” This even brings tens of thousands of visitors to our quaint Historic Town Center and to our community each year, generating revenue and recognition for Grove City.

Arts in the Alley (by the Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce)

Dave Pando, Founder of LVL UP Sports

2018 Individual Trailblazer

An individual who demonstrates excellence in creating a positive visitor experience and goes beyond in everything they do. 2018's Individual Trailblazer award recipient is said to “maintain a reputation that complements the adventurous spirit of Grove City”. Their business welcomes visitors from Cleveland, Louisville, Cincinnati, Michigan and more. Promotes company events via social media and email to nearly 10,000 subscribers. Worked hard to secure two major events drawing visitors from far and wide. His nominator said, “When people visit his business, they truly get to experience the fruits of his and his team’s labor as a local small business and his whole team is constantly speaking so highly of Grove City because as the leader, he sets and example of a true ambassador for this city."

Dave Pando, Founder of <a href="http://www.lvlupsports.com">LVL UP Sports</a>

2017 Trailblazer Award Winners

Scioto Grove Metro Park

2017 Attraction, Business, Organization Trailblazer

Scioto Grove Metro Park is not only a beautiful escape, but a huge draw for visitors with Franklin County Metro Parks’s first opportunity for overnight camping on the REI River Trail, over 600 acres of land, fishing, kayaking, and the newly added archery ranges which includes a 3D range!

The Wine and Arts Festival (by Heart of Grove City Inc)

2017 Community Event Trailblazer

A community event that creates the most memorable visitor experience. Selection criteria placed emphasis on an event that continually strives to improve. In five short years, this event has experienced exceptional growth. As this event draws from all parts of the country, so have the event organizers thoughtfully grown the event to cater to an audience of visitors by providing free shuttle service to and from Grove City hotels and motels.

The Wine and Arts Festival (by Heart of Grove City Inc)

Steve Carr, Founder of The GCHS Alumni Softball Tournament

2017 Individual Trailblazer

An individual who demonstrates excellence in creating a positive visitor experience and goes beyond in everything they do. Our inaugural individual award recipient is the creator and inventor of the Grove City Alumni Softball Tournament, Steve Carr. This tournament draws droves of people back to their hometown for a weekend of fun, softball and memories. Our hotels, and restaurants and parks are packed this weekend. We cannot imagine Grove City without the Alumni Tournament and we cannot think of an individual more deserving of recognition for the hours and hours they have put into this event and this special gathering of Grove City families all due to Steve Carr.