The Patrick County Tourism Advisory Council (TAC) awarded more than $40,000 that will be reinvested in the county through its Tourism Incentive Reimbursement Matching Grant Program for fiscal 2018-’19.

The following agencies/events were approved for funding, according to a release from the TAC:

Covered Bridge Festival; Covered Bridge Festival 5K Run; Old Fashion July 4th at Stuart DeHart Park; the American Chestnut Exhibition, Blue Ridge Heritage; Kibler Valley River Run; JEB Stuart Civil War Encampment & Living History Weekend; Meadows of Dan Folk Fair Advertising; Meadows of Dan Movie on the Mountain; Faery Festival; Front Porch Fest; Stompin’ Saturdays Wine Festival at Stanburn; Bushels and Barrels Local Food, Wine, and Beer Festival; second Sundays American Music Concert Series; Wayside Bluegrass Festival; and Bootleggers Blitz Bike Race.

The following events were also awarded one-time funding:  Hot Fun in the Summertime Music Festival; American Music Concert Series; Bootleggers Blitz Bike Race; and Patrick County Music Association concerts.

The matching grant program is designed to stimulate visitor spending, increase overnight stays in the tourism-sector as well as support the development of robust and sustainable economies that include businesses in Patrick County.  Each event must be tourism related.

Eligible projects can receive reimbursement for print, radio and television advertising, as well as for brochures or special event planning. Print, radio and television advertisements must promote the applicant’s district to visitors, and must incorporate aspects of the “Experience the Simple Life” campaign and include the Patrick County Tourism website www.visitpatrickcounty.org.

Award recipients have 90 days after the specific event to turn in receipts and be reimbursed.