Lyman Farm Receives Money to Promote Orchards

Lyman Farm in Middlefied and the in Rockfall will receive grants from the Connecticut Commission of Culture & Tourism to help attract visitors, state Rep. Matt Lesser, D-100, recently announced.

Lyman Farm will receive $9,164, while the Connecticut Forest and Park Association will receive $6,777 in Cooperative Marketing Grants.

John Lyman III, executive vice president of , told Patch it is the second consecutive year the farm has received the grant.

"We're very pleased to receive the grant. The money is used for the Connecticut Vacation Guide," Lyman said, adding that he was impressed by the response to last year's guide, which advertises local businesses and attractions around the state.

Each year thousands of people, including many from out-of-state, visit Lyman Orchards, which boasts the Apple Barrel store, pick-your-own fruit, two championship golf courses, as well as many seasonal events targeted to families.

The Connecticut Forest and Park Association oversees thousands of acres of "land, water and wildlife resources" in the state. CFPA is responsible for creating and maintaining the Blue-Blazed Hiking Trail System.

“This is a great investment in our community,” said Lesser. “We're counting on businesses like the Lymans to grow our economy and this funding will help promote the Lyman Orchards and Connecticut's parkland to out of state tourists.”

According to Lesser the money may be used for billboard advertisements, inserts in magazines, and the development of an online advertising campaign.