Hosted by the Millbrook Playhouse, the event featured food, drink and the announcement of the much anticipated 2026 Tourism Grant awards for a number of local businesses.

CCEP Tourism Director Melissa Dally announced the nearly 20 recipients, who each receive a portion of $80,000 from this year’s grant cycle.

Prior to announcing the recipients, Dally spoke about the importance of tourism to the local economy and community.

“Tourism is about more than attracting visitors for a weekend stay. At its core, it is about strengthening the very places we call home. A strong destination is one where people want to visit, but more importantly, where people want to live, work, raise families and build businesses,” she said.

LAURA JAMESON/THE EXPRESS CCEP Tourism Director Melissa Dally announces the recipients of the 2026 Tourism Grant during the first-ever Toast to Tourism event, held at the Millbrook Playhouse on May 28.

She noted the trails, theatres, restaurants, festivals, parks and gathering spaces that attract these visitors help create pride in the community.

“Tourism becomes a tool for community development, economic growth and placemaking,” she said.

She touched on the importance of this and the creation of community pride that comes with it, noting building engagement with residents and those in the room Thursday evening creates strength, particularly with a shared vision.

“Collaboration creates stronger experiences, broader reach, and greater momentum. No single organization can build a destination alone — it takes partnerships, shared energy and a community that believes in what it has to offer,” she said.

She said the CCEP chose to announce the recipients of this year’s grant cycle at the Time Out in the hopes it creates the energy and excitement needed to help make sure the community continues to showcase how special it is.

PHOTO PROVIDED Roughly 100 area business owners, community leaders and organization representatives attended the Clinton County Economic Partnership’s first-ever Toast to Tourism Timeout, hosted by the Millbrook Playhouse.

“We wanted the community together for this announcement tonight to create energy and excitement around the places, experiences, and organizations that make our community so special — organizations like Millbrook Playhouse, our host for this evening’s Timeout,” she said.

“These are the spaces that bring people together, create memories, inspire creativity, and help define the identity of our destination. When we celebrate and support one another, we strengthen not only tourism, but the heart of our community itself.”

Dally said 18 different organizations and projects were receiving a portion of $80,000, “in several important categories including capital improvements, marketing and promotion, special programs and events.”

The following organizations were announced as grant recipients on Thursday night:

— Pine Creek Seed Farm Corn Maze

LAURA JAMESON/THE EXPRESS The Millbrook Playhouse showcased a number of its performers during the CCEP’s Timeout, including a solo from the upcoming production of Annie.

— Clinton County Arts Council

— Greater Renovo Area Heritage Park

— Millbrook Playhouse

— ReVibe Outdoors

— Piper Aviation Museum

PHOTOS PROVIDED Other recipients of the 2026 Tourism Grant from the Clinton County Economic Partnership are pictured following the announcement.

— Clinton County Historical Society

— Borough of Flemington

— Spook Haven Entertainment, LLC

— Sentimental Journey Incorporated

— Castanea Township Recreation Committee

PHOTOS PROVIDED Other recipients of the 2026 Tourism Grant from the Clinton County Economic Partnership are pictured following the announcement.

— City of Lock Haven

— Sons and Daughters of Italy, Giosue Carducci Lodge No. 146

— Good Neighbor Craft House

— Clinton County Speedway

— Green Acres Glampground

— Central Mountain ATV Association

— Lock Haven Regatta Foundation

Following the announcements, Dally asked everyone on Millbrook’s patio to raise a glass and toast these groups and organizations for their continued work in making Clinton County a place to visit, live, work and play.

After thanking Millbrook Playhouse for once again hosting the event, Artistic Director David Leidholt spoke about the playhouse and its importance.

He noted the arts not only provide entertainment, but help support the local economy. He said, on average, someone who purchases a ticket to a show at Millbrook will likely spend about $30 dollars locally.

He further thanked the partnership for allowing them to host the evening’s event, the playhouse’s board of directors and introduced some special guests.

Those in attendance Thursday were treated to three performances, providing snippets of two upcoming shows in Millbrook’s 63rd season — “Annie” and “The Wedding Singer.”

After the performances, Leidholt invited all the guests to enjoy food, drink and celebration.

PHOTOS PROVIDED Other recipients of the 2026 Tourism Grant from the Clinton County Economic Partnership are pictured following the announcement.