The Currituck County Tourism Development Authority on May 19 approved a package of event grants totaling $150,000 to support local festivals, races and community events in Corolla and other county locations.

TDA operations staff said they reviewed 10 applications and recommended funding for events that demonstrated planning, sustainability and visitor draw. Approved grants include full funding requests for the Corolla Christmas Village Market (managed this year by The Kind Cup), the OBX Festival of Golf, the Corolla Seaglass & Coastal Art Show, the Corolla 10‑miler, Artsy August (a series of off‑road art shows), Mustang Mornings and the Currituck Wildlife Festival, among others.

Tamlin Coogler, tourism staff, told the board the competitive process was tightened this year to require applicants to demonstrate how funds will be used to sustain events and measure tourism impact; commissioners voted to approve full funding for the recommended slate of events.

The TDA also presented the FY 2026 proposed tourism fund budget that finances visitor centers, historic Corolla Park operations and a planned $4.5 million visitor center in Corolla; the budget includes $5.5 million in capital outlay mainly for the new Corolla visitor center design and construction and maintenance projects at historic sites.