Monroe County Executive Adam Bello Announces Recipients of County’s 2023 Community Festival Funding Grants

June 14th, 2023

More than $290,000 distributed to support 24 local festivals.

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Monroe County Executive Adam Bello today announced the recipients of the county’s Community Festival Funding grants, a new program established in the 2023 Monroe County Budget. The County Legislature approved the grants during its meeting on June 13, 2023.

“We are fortunate to have so many engaging festivals and opportunities to join together that ignite the spirit of our community all year long,” said County Executive Bello. “Providing grant support for these festivals helps enhance our quality of life and ensure we continue to have these opportunities going forward. Many thanks to the Monroe County Legislature for supporting our creative economy. Together, we are shaping a future filled with unforgettable celebrations.”

In total, the county awarded $296,300 to the following organizations:

  • Rochester Fringe Festival

  • Rochester International Jazz Festival

  • 19th Ward Community Association, 2023 Juneteenth Festival

  • Brockport Merchant’s Association, Brockstock

  • Bella Events Group LLC, Roc Pride Festival

  • Grupo Cultural Latinos En Rochester, Inc., Fiesta Latina

  • E.R.A.S.E, ERASE Fourth Annual Juneteenth Celebration

  • Writers & Books, Rochester Reads Festival 2023

  • Refugees Helping Refugees, World Refugee Day Celebration

  • Fairport Music and Food Festival, Inc., Fairport Music Festival

  • North Winton Village Association, North Winton Village Festival 2023

  • Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, RPO 2023 Summer Festival

  • Agape Haven of Abundance, Community Outreach – Juneteenth Celebration

  • Ontario Beach Park Program Committee, Inc., Rochester Harbor and Carousel Festival

  • Rochester A.B.O.V.E, Pan Afrikan Festival

  • Festival at the Falls, Festival at the Falls

  • Rainbow Seniors ROC, Inc., 51st Annual ROC Pride Picnic

  • 19th Ward Community Association, 19th Ward Community Association Annual Square Fair

  • Genesee Country Village & Museum, Independence Day

  • Fairport Perinton Merchants Association, Fairport Canal Days

  • Puerto Rican Festival, Inc., Puerto Rican Festival

  • Hilton Apple Fest, Hilton Apple Fest

  • Corn Hill Neighbors Association, Corn Hill Arts Festival

  • Joseph Avenue Business Association, Annual Joseph Avenue Festival

Recipients underwent a selection process that opened in February and closed on March 3. Qualifying events had to meet specific criteria:

  • Festivals must fit into one or more of the following categories: (1) armistice, memorial, or other recognized national patriotic observance; (2) commemorate historical events of countywide interest and concern; (3) showcase music, dance, arts, or other artistic performance; and/or (4) publicize the advantages of Monroe County.

  • Festivals must have a free public component.

  • Festivals must serve a minimum of 1,000 individuals.

  • Festivals must take place in Monroe County between January 1, 2023 and December 31, 2023.

For more information about the Community Festival Funding program, visit monroecounty.gov/festivalfunding

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