Artisan market returns
The Floyd Center for the Arts is pleased to announce the return of the Floyd Artisan Market.
The 2026 season kicked off Friday, May 8, from 5 to 9 p.m. in downtown Floyd under the Community Market Pavilion, 203 South Locust Street, Floyd, next to The Station.
A longtime Floyd tradition, the Floyd Artisan Market brings together local and regional artisans offering handmade arts and crafts in a lively, open-air setting. The weekly Friday evening market creates a space for community members and visitors to connect directly with artists, support local makers, and experience the creativity that defines Floyd.
“The Artisan Market is a celebration of the incredible talent in our region,” said Keela Dooley Marshall, Executive Director of the Floyd Center for the Arts. “It is an opportunity to support artists, strengthen our local economy, and create a welcoming space where people can gather and experience handmade work.”
The market will take place on Friday evenings throughout the season, featuring a rotating group of artists and makers. Visitors can expect a wide variety of handmade goods, including fine art, craft, and unique gifts, making it an ideal destination for both locals and tourists.
For more information about the Floyd Artisan Market, including vendor participation, contact the Floyd Center for the Arts at artisanmarket@floydartcenter.org.
The Floyd Center for the Arts connects people through visual arts, handmade craft, and music, honoring living traditions while embracing innovation. Through exhibitions, classes, and community events, the Center serves as a creative hub for Floyd County and the surrounding region.
Five Floyd tourism initiatives funded
Floyd County tourism efforts received financial boosts from the state as part of a $2.2 million package announced by Gov. Abigail Spanberger celebrating National Travel and Tourism Week.
The Floyd Center for the Arts’ marketing leverage program received $9,423 for its Artful Adventures: Experience Floyd through Art, Craft, and Music.
The Floyd Country Store received $20,000 for its “Disconnect & Connect” initiative Enjoy Appalachian Experiences at The Floyd Country Store.
Floyd Crafted, a program of Floyd Tourism, received $15,00.
Moonlight Manor Bed and Breakfast nabbed $6,000 for its Love VA Outdoors program.
The Floyd Small Town Summer Series received $5,300.
Across the state, 143 local tourism programs were funded.
The Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC)’s Marketing Leverage and Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) Marketing Programs — which award these grants — pair local marketing investments with matching state funds to support Virginia’s tourism industry, extend overnight stays, and encourage visitors to spend more across the Commonwealth. Local partners will commit $4.3 million to match the VTC grant funds, generating $6.5 million in new marketing and event production initiatives. In total, these awards will impact 858 localities, businesses, organizations that partner with VTC to encourage statewide tourism.
“The strength of Virginia’s tourism industry is critical to local economies across every region of our Commonwealth,” said Spanberger. “From rural communities to our urban centers, this funding will showcase the full breadth and beauty of our home while supporting jobs, expanding opportunities for small businesses, and driving economic growth statewide.”
VTC’s tourism marketing and sponsorship programs are designed to maximize limited marketing dollars through public-private partnerships, stimulate new tourism promotion initiatives, and extend the iconic Virginia is for Lovers brand.
“These VTC grant programs help amplify Virginia’s visibility, attract new visitors, and encourage longer stays,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Carrie Chenery. “On the heels of our Statewide Tourism Strategic Plan launch, we are proud to partner with regional, local, and private partners to invest in innovative and community-based solutions that drive tourism and sustained economic growth across the Commonwealth.”
These grant programs assist tourism-oriented applicants by matching their marketing commitment with additional funding to reach new markets and engage both new and repeat visitors:
- The Marketing Leverage Program is a reimbursable grant program that helps Virginia travel industry partners (including small businesses, DMOs, attractions, accommodations and events) expand their marketing efforts.
- The Virginia DMO Marketing Program provides funding to destination marketing organizations for initiatives that demonstrate measurable economic impact and are designed to drive visitation to Virginia.
“Effective tourism marketing is key to turning interest into visitation into economic impact,” said Rita McClenny, President and CEO of Virginia Tourism Corporation. “These programs give our partners the tools to tell more compelling stories about their destinations, connect with travelers in meaningful ways, and inspire deeper exploration across Virginia.”
VTC will open a Microbusiness Marketing Leverage Program grant round in summer 2026, which is designed to assist small tourism-oriented businesses and organizations with fall and winter marketing initiatives. The Virginia Special Events and Festivals Program will open in late 2026 for events occurring between January 1 and December 31, 2027. The next round of the Marketing Leverage Program and the Virginia DMO Marketing Program will open in February 2027.
Organizations and businesses interested in applying for these grant opportunities may visit vatc.org/grants for more information.
Schools honor Harris at retirement
After nearly 39 years of dedicated service to Floyd County Public Schools, Janet Harris retired April 30, bringing to a close a career marked by commitment to employees and school division.
Harris began her career in 1987 as an administrative assistant in the special education department and went on to serve in multiple roles, including administrative assistant in the instruction department, personnel clerk, payroll clerk, payroll and benefits specialist, coordinator of personnel services and, ultimately, director of personnel services.
For 34 of those years, Harris also served as clerk of the Floyd County School Board, through the tenures of six superintendents.
The board praised Harris for her attention to detail and professionalism. The Floyd County School Board recognized Harris with a formal resolution expressing its “deepest appreciation” for her decades of service and extending congratulations on her retirement.
