SailFest Cape Charles Receives Virginia Tourism Corporation Grant for Tourism Marketing 

Cape Charles, VA. October 24, 2025— SailFest Cape Charles™, a Cape Charles Main Street entity, received a $9750 grant from the Virginia Tourism Corporation’s VA250 Tourism Marketing Program for its SailFest Cape Charles™ event, bringing the tall ships back to Cape Charles to celebrate the 250^th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, June 19-21, 2026. 

SailFest partnered with other local businesses to supply matching funds for the project. This historic event will bring three sailing vessels to Cape Charles harbor June 19-21, 2026 that will be open to the public for free tours on both June 20^th and 21^st. In addition, this event will feature historians speaking on maritime history, Fife & Drum corps, period re-enactors, hands on activities for kids, vendors, food trucks and a Saturday night concert complete with fireworks to end the evening. The historic magnitude of this event will attract visitors from near and far allowing Cape Charles to provide access to the history and grandeur of the tall ships with an ease of participation you won’t find at larger venues.  
 
During this grant round, Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) awarded $627,877 in matching grant funds to 104 local tourism programs across the Commonwealth.  
 
“SailFest Cape Charles is such a special way for our community to come together and celebrate our maritime heritage. The tall ships returning to our harbor will remind us of the history that shaped this town and the spirit that continues to make Cape Charles so unique. We’re excited to welcome visitors to experience the warmth, beauty, and pride that define our town and the people who call it home”  stated Rick Keuroglian, Cape Charles’ Town Manager.  
 
“These grant programs empower our local partners to tell their unique stories, showcase the spirit of their destinations, and invite travelers to experience why Virginia is for Lovers in every season of the year.”said Rita McClenny, President and CEO of Virginia Tourism Corporation.  

A full list of funding recipients for all grant programs can be found here.  
 

About SailFest Cape Charles 

SailFest Cape Charles is a dba of Cape Charles Main Street, Inc. Cape Charles Main Street is a 501c3 organization dedicated to revitalization efforts for the Town of Cape Charles as a designated Virginia Main Street Community. To learn more about our organization, visit our website at www.capecharlesmainstreet.com. To learn more about the SailFest event, visit www.sailfestcapecharles.com. 

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