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Colonial Heights Recreation & Parks Receives Virginia Tourism Corp. Grant for Tourism Marketing
Colonial Heights Recreation and Parks Receives Virginia Tourism Corporation Grant for Tourism Marketing
Colonial Heights Recreation and Parks received a $10,000 grant from the Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC)’s Special Events & Festivals Sponsorship Program (SEF) for the 50th Annual Fort Clifton Festival.
Colonial Heights Recreation and Parks will supply $5,000 in matching funds to support marketing and promotion for the 50th Annual Fort Clifton Festival, a signature community event celebrating the city’s history, arts, and culture. The festival attracts thousands of visitors each year, drawing both local residents and out-of-town guests to Colonial Heights. In addition to providing a free, family-friendly experience, the event generates increased visitation to local restaurants, shops, and attractions, contributing to overnight stays and measurable economic impact for the community.
Virginia Tourism Corporation will award more than $885,733 in matching grant funds to 88 special events and festivals during this grant round, ultimately impacting 324 combined partners. The VTC Special Events & Festivals Sponsorship Program is designed to increase visitor spending by maximizing limited marketing and event production dollars to stimulate overnight visitation through new tourism marketing and event expansion partnerships. The program also extends the iconic Virginia is for Lovers brand to drive special event and festival visitation. Each GO Virginia region is allocated 20 percent of available funds, creating a diverse portfolio of supported events across the Commonwealth.
In this funding cycle, local partners will commit more than $4.8 million in public-private funds to match VTC funding, generating more than $5.68 million in new marketing and event production activity focused on increasing overnight visitation to Virginia in 2026. In total, the awards will support 88 special events and festivals and impact 526 tourism-related partners statewide.
Using the hub-and-spoke tourism model to create multi-day itineraries, four Virginia entities partner financially to apply for funding. Partners may consist of Virginia cities, towns, counties, destination marketing organizations, restaurants, museums, attractions, and other tourism-related businesses. With the special event or festival as the main lure, the program encourages visitors to extend their stays to experience Virginia Main Streets, boutique shopping, distinctive dining, and historic sites, generating significant economic impact beyond the event itself. These partnerships have proven results in driving creativity among applicants and attracting new visitors to a destination.
“The Fort Clifton Festival is one of Colonial Heights’ most anticipated annual events and plays an important role in showcasing our city to visitors from across the region,” said Matt Spruill, Colonial Heights Recreation and Parks Director. “Support from the Virginia Tourism Corporation allows us to expand our reach, attract new audiences, and continue building a strong tourism economy that benefits local businesses and residents alike.”
“As Colonial Heights continues to invest in tourism, this grant helps us showcase the very best of Colonial Heights”, said Amber Wallace, Colonial Heights Tourism and Economic Development Specialist. “It’s an exciting time for the city, and events like the Fort Clifton Festival help create moments that draw visitors in, inspire return trips, and contribute to a growing tourism economy.”
“Special events and festivals are at the heart of what makes Virginia such a compelling destination,” said Rita McClenny, President and CEO of Virginia Tourism Corporation. “Through the Special Events & Festivals Sponsorship Program, we’re proud to support these experiences that bring communities together, inspire travel, and encourage visitors to stay longer and spend more across the Commonwealth.”
VTC will have additional grant and sponsorship rounds opening throughout 2026. Organizations and businesses that are interested in applying may visit vatc.org/grants for more information.
Out-of-state visitors and Virginians alike are encouraged to visit www.virginia.org to start travel planning for these special events and festivals in 2026.
Colonial Heights Recreation and Parks provides a wide range of recreational programs, facilities, and special events that enhance quality of life for residents and visitors alike. Through community programming, historic preservation, and signature events such as the Fort Clifton Festival, the department works to promote wellness, celebrate local heritage, and support tourism and economic vitality in Colonial Heights.
About Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) Virginia is for Lovers is one of the most iconic and recognizable travel brands in the world. Using that powerful brand equity, Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) is charged with promoting the Commonwealth as a premier travel destination by showcasing all there is to love in a Virginia vacation. The dollars spent by travelers fuel the economy, provide jobs for Virginians, and improve communities across the state. Simply put, tourism helps make Virginia a great place to live, work, and vacation. Learn more at virginia.org.
A full list of funding recipients can be found at the link in the comments. (https://pressroom.virginia.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Summer-2025-SEF-Grant-Recipient-List.pdf
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Winter City Focus 2025
Our 2025 Winter City Focus is full of City news, events, activities and important community updates and information! Look for the City Focus in your mailbox soon or view it electronically here!
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Recreation & Parks Closures and Cancellations Update
Due to current and expected conditions at facilities and on roadways, the Recreation and Parks Department has the following closures and cancellations.
Park, Program, and Service Cancellations
- All parks will remain CLOSED until further notice
- The Senior / Community Center will remain CLOSED until further notice - this includes weekend rentals for Saturday January 31 and Sunday February 1
- Senior Transportation services are cancelled for Friday January 30 and Monday February 2
- All youth basketball games scheduled for Saturday January 31st have been cancelled
- All other programs and activities scheduled for Saturday January 31 and Sunday February 1 have been cancelled
- Please stay tuned for further updates for facilities and programs scheduled for next week
The safety of our residents, visitors, staff, and volunteers is our highest priority. All updates on closures and rescheduling of programs and activities will be posted on the City and Department website and through social media outlets.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation. Please stay safe and monitor local weather advisories. Contact Recreation and Parks at (804)520-9390.
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Colonial Heights Trash & Recycling Collection Delays this week
CITY OF COLONIAL HEIGHTS
Trash & Recycling Service Notice
1/27/2026
The City of Colonial Heights trash and recycling collections for this week will be delayed by one day.
- Trash collection that is regularly scheduled for Wednesday, January 28th, 2026 is now planned for Thursday, January 29th, 2026.
- Recycling collection that is regularly scheduled for Friday, January 30th, 2026 is now planned for Saturday, January 31st, 2026.
- Bulky Waste collections will be suspended this week.
IMPORTANT: Please place your containers along the road in a location accessible by the collection trucks (and three feet from cars/mailboxes or other obstructions).
Further notice will be provided if the collection schedule changes from the planned dates.
For Trash and Recycling questions, please visit https://cvwma.com/cvwma-locations/colonial-heights/ or call (804)340-0900.
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Important Winter Storm/Weather Updates (1/30/2026)
CITY OF COLONIAL HEIGHTS
WINTER STORM UPDATES/NOTICES
Friday, January 30, 2026
Important Notices:
The Colonial Heights City Government Offices, including the Courthouse will open at regular time on Friday, 1/30/2025.
The Colonial Heights Public Library will close:
Today, Friday, 1/29/2026 at 5:00pm
The Library will remain closed all day on Saturday, 1/30/2026.
Park, Program, and Service Cancellations
- All parks will remain CLOSED until further notice
- The Senior / Community Center will remain CLOSED until further notice - this includes weekend rentals for Saturday January 31 and Sunday February 1
- Senior Transportation services are cancelled for Friday January 30 and Monday February 2
- All youth basketball games scheduled for Saturday January 31st have been cancelled
- All other programs and activities scheduled for Saturday January 31 and Sunday February 1 have been cancelled
- Please stay tuned for further updates for facilities and programs scheduled for next week
The safety of our residents, visitors, staff, and volunteers is our highest priority. All updates on closures and rescheduling of programs and activities will be posted on the City and Department website and through social media outlets.
City Trash and Recycling Services planned to be delayed by one day this week. Bulky Waste collection suspended this week.
City Services and Closures
WHO TO CALL:
EMERGENCIES DIAL 911
NON-EMERGENCIES (All other storm related and other service needs questions) DIAL 211
Know before you Go! DIAL 511 for real-time traffic information throughout the Commonwealth or visit www.511virginia.org
Power Outages: The Dominion Energy app is the easiest way to report outages and track restoration. If you lose power, there are three easy ways to report your outage and track your restoration time:
1) Dominion Energy mobile apps, available for iPhone [apps.apple.com] and Google [play.google.com];
2) Dominion Energy website; or 3) Call 866-DOM-HELP (866-366-4357).
Stay away from downed poles and power lines. If you see a downed pole or wire, please report it by calling 866-DOM-HELP and stay at least 30 feet away. The line could be energized and dangerous.
- Generator & Heater Safety: (Ready.gov Generator Safety)
- Keep freezers and refrigerators closed.
- Use a generator, but ONLY outdoors and away from windows at least 25 feet away from any window, doors or other openings.
- Do not use a gas stove or oven to heat your home. It increases your risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Using an oven or stovetop can also increase the risk of fires, burns and could damage the appliance.
- Disconnect appliances and electronics to avoid damage from electrical surges.
- Have alternate plans for refrigerating medicines or using power-dependent medical devices
- ALL heaters need space! - Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet from heating equipment..
Winter Weather Preparedness Sheet
NOTIFY ME & CIVIC READY ALERT LINKS
For City Notices and Emergency Alerts, click on the following links to register:
Civic Ready (Important City Notices and Alerts, including closures, service cancelations and other emergency alerts)
Notify Me (City News updates, general posts, and other important City Information including meetings and events)
OTHER ADDITIONAL RESOURCE LINKS:
Wakefield National Weather Center
VA Department of Emergency Management (For Tips on how to prepare your family, home, and vehicle ahead of the storm)
Chesterfield Health & Social Services
Colonial Heights Fire and Emergency Management Team Facebook Page