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Monroe County’s festival funding portal now open
Crowds fill Highland Park each year for the Lilac Festival. (File photo)
Crowds fill Highland Park each year for the Lilac Festival. (File photo)
Monroe County’s festival funding portal now open
Monroe County has allotted $450,000 in funding for area festivals in 2026 that meet certain criteria.
Qualifying festivals can submit applications via the 2026 Community Festival Funding portal on the county website until 5 p.m. on April 13.
“Festivals and events are part of the fabric of life in Monroe County,” County Executive Adam Bello said in a news release. “Our local festivals bring people together to celebrate historic occasions, recognize the traditions of our diverse cultures and highlight local and national talent.”
Among the qualifications for funding, festivals must:
- Recognize an armistice, memorial or other national patriotic observance;
- commemorate a historical event of countywide interest or concern;
- showcase music, dance, arts or other artistic performance;
- publicize the advantages of Monroe County.
The festival must also have a free component, serve at least 1,000 people, take place between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, and have existed for at least one year.
A list of requirements, including insurance, can be found on the festival web portal. An informational webinar will take place at 11 a.m. on Thursday.
Parades, block parties, trade shows and sports tournaments are not eligible for festival funding.
More than $400,000 was doled out to 43 festivals in 2025.
[email protected]/(585) 653-4020
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