Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Community Events topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Loudon awarded Levitt Foundation grant; city readies festival, concert series and holiday events
Summary
City officials announced they were awarded a Levitt Foundation grant and plan a Levitt-supported concert series and expanded holiday programming; the grant includes training and per-person reimbursements and will be guided by a local steering committee.
Loudon City announced at its Nov. 24 council meeting that the city was awarded a Levitt Foundation grant, which city representatives said will support a concert series and broader holiday programming in downtown Loudon.
City officials reported receiving notice of the award on Nov. 18. The grant makes the city eligible to send up to three people to an in-person training session in California; the training covers marketing and programming, and the foundation will cover hotel and provide $800 per person in reimbursable expenses. Council members said a local steering committee will be formed to select performers and manage programming and marketing.
The city outlined plans and dates for fall and winter community events tied to the grant and other seasonal activities: the Festival of Trees on Dec. 5 (courthouse lawn), Lunch with Santa on Dec. 6 (Lacoville Pavilion), Christmas in the Park on Dec. 12 (Municipal Park) and the Christmas parade on Dec. 13 (route from Carter Street to Grove Street on Mulberry). Staff said Loudoun High School’s culinary arts program will run a food truck fundraiser during the Festival of Trees, and the city plans to distribute promotional tote bags and commemorative ornaments. Officials said they expect a steering committee to evaluate performer submissions and to coordinate with Visit Loudoun County and other partners.
Why it matters: The Levitt Foundation grant can bring nationally known free-concert programming to small cities, which can boost downtown foot traffic and local business visibility; the city’s strategy links the grant-funded programming to a season of community events to amplify economic and cultural impacts.
Next steps: City staff will form a steering committee to select performers and coordinate logistics; staff and designated attendees will attend the Levitt training in February and return with implementation plans.
