MIDDLETOWN — The Town of Middletown has received a $3,200 grant from the Virginia Tourism Corporation to support its annual July 4 Celebration, town officials announced.
The funding comes through the Virginia Tourism Corporation’s Special Events & Festivals Sponsorship Program, which awarded nearly $886,000 to 88 special events and festivals across the Commonwealth for 2026. The grants are intended to encourage overnight visitation and increased traveler spending.
Middletown’s July 4 Celebration was among the events selected statewide.
Town officials said the grant will help enhance the celebration as Middletown prepares for upcoming milestone anniversaries, including the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026.
“We are proud to receive this grant for the second time in our celebration’s history, and it comes at the perfect moment,” Mayor Charles Harbaugh IV and the July 4 Celebration director said in a joint statement. “This support will not only help us enhance the festivities, but also promote our town and the wonderful local businesses that make Middletown special.”
According to the Virginia Tourism Corporation, local partners across the state will contribute more than $4.8 million in matching public-private funds alongside the grants, generating more than $5.6 million in new marketing and event production activity focused on tourism in 2026.
The program uses a “hub-and-spoke” model that encourages visitors to attend a featured event while also exploring nearby Main Streets, restaurants, shops, historic sites, and attractions.
Gov. Glenn Youngkin said the funding helps strengthen Virginia’s visitor economy while supporting local communities.
“Special events and festivals play a vital role in Virginia’s long-term growth by strengthening our visitor economy, celebrating our communities, and bringing people together across the Commonwealth,” Youngkin said in a statement.
Virginia Tourism Corporation President and CEO Rita McClenny said the program helps inspire travel and extend visitor stays throughout the state.
A full list of grant recipients is available through the Virginia Tourism Corporation.
Edited by Dan McDermott. Information from a release.
