Each year, the Haywood County Tourism Development Authority (HCTDA) supports local initiatives that celebrate and promote the unique cultural, historical, and recreational experiences that Haywood County has to offer. These initiatives are expected to boost local tourism year-round, providing significant economic benefit to our community while improving the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.
“By investing in these projects, we are ensuring that both residents and visitors benefit from enhanced and vibrant cultural experiences,” said Corrina Ruffieux, Executive Director of HCTDA.
During the May 27, 2026 meeting, the Haywood County Tourism Development Authority Board of Directors voted to award $532,028.17 to 5 projects through the Tourism Capital Grant Program.
| Organization | Project | Amount |
| Town of Clyde | Clyde Riverfront Park | $72,720 |
| Lake Junaluska Assembly | Stuart Auditorium Modernization | $175,000 |
| Town of Waynesville | Boyd Ave Greenway Connector | $127,500 |
| Town of Waynesville | Kiwanis Playground 2.0 Enhancement | $90,000 |
| The Pisgah Conservancy | Upper Falls Connector Trail | $66,808.17 |
The Haywood County Tourism Development Authority Board of Directors voted to award $161,453 to 16 projects through the Tourism Promotion and Legacy Event Sponsorship Grants.
| Organization | Project | Amount |
| Town of Canton | Labor Day Festival | $15,000 |
| Lake Logan | Cold Mountain Music Festival | $10,000 |
| Canton Merchant Partnership | Haywood Grows Farm Fest | $7,000 |
| Canton Merchant Partnership | Mill Around Town | $3,000 |
| Lake Junaluska Assembly | Independence Day Celebration | $12,900 |
| Lake Junaluska Assembly | Lake Junaluska Promotions | $16,286 |
| Steve Sutton Memorial Charitable Trust | Steve Sutton Festival | $5,722 |
| Maggie Valley Fall Days | Fall Days | $7,775 |
| Town of Maggie Valley | Backyard 4th | $6,570 |
| Haywood County Arts Council | Smoky Mountains Bluegrass Festival | $10,000 |
| Ben’s Backdraft BBQ | Barbecue Festival | $12,500 |
| Haywood County Pride on Main | Pride on Main | $4,700 |
| Downtown Waynesville Commission | Appalachian Heritage Weekend | $30,000 |
| Shelton House | Shelton House/Haywood Co. Arts Trail | $2,000 |
| Smoky Mountain Event Center | 2026 Haywood County Fair | $12,000 |
| Haywood Co Arts Council | Studio Tour | $6,000 |
Historical Grant Awards
Below is a summary of the previously awarded grants that continue to enrich our community and elevate our tourism efforts.
Haywood County Tourism Development Authority 