ALTON – Alton officials recently approved three of the first four festival and event grant applications submitted under a new city-wide microgrant program.
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City Council members considered four applications for festival and event grants at their July 22, 2026 meeting, approving three and laying over the fourth to determine its eligibility for grant funds. Alderwoman Patty Ford cast the sole vote against each grant application’s approval.
The next round of festival/event grant application are due by Sept. 1, 2026, followed by the next quarterly deadline on Dec. 1, 2026. Applications can be completed and submitted through the City of Alton website.
18th Annual Mississippi Earthtones Festival
The first approved application was submitted by Sara McGibany, executive director of Alton Main Street. McGibany requested the maximum grant amount of $1,000 to help cover “entertainment” costs for this year’s Mississippi Earthtones Festival on Saturday, Sept. 15, 2026. The family-friendly festival celebrates the Mississippi River through art, music, vendors, and environmental education.
The festival attracted 5,000 visitors last year, its 18th year since starting in 2007, according to McGibany’s application. This year’s event is expected to encourage attendees to visit local businesses, with some already signed up to serve food at the festival and all downtown businesses offered free booth space to promote their products and stores at the event.
Mooneyham Art - “Moving Forward” Exhibit
Another $1,000 grant application was approved from Charles Mooneyham of Mooneyham Art LLC. Mooneyham stated in his application the funds will be used to host a free public art exhibit at 305 State St. from Aug. 14 to Sept. 14, 2026, with an opening reception on Aug. 15.
Titled “Moving Forward,” the exhibit will feature a variety of works from award-winning artist Nancy Early, live music, and provided deserts and beverages. This marks the gallery’s 12th exhibit offered free to the public since opening in downtown Alton.
Rock the Hops 2026
The third approved grant application came from Hope Mader, director and co-founder of Rock the Hops, on behalf of Rock the Hops and Friends of Alton Main Street.
A $1,000 grant was approved for this year’s “Rock the Hops” music and arts festival on Aug. 8, 2026. This year’s event will span five downtown venues, including Bossanova, Flock Food Truck Park, Old Bakery Beer Co., Post Commons, and The Conservatory.
Mader stated in her application that the funds will be used to help offset the cost of complimentary shuttle transportation for Rock the Hops attendees, allowing safe and convenient travel between multiple bar locations. After kicking off in 2015, Rock the Hops is now entering its 11th year and welcomed 1,500 attendees last year.
St. Mary’s Fundraiser Grant Application Laid Over
The fourth application from Ryan Downey of St. Mary’s Catholic Church was laid over after a motion by Alderwoman Martha Pfister. She questioned whether the event, St. Mary’s Oktoberfest, would be eligible for grant funds from the city.
Under the terms of the city’s new microgrant program for festival and events, only certain types of events are eligible for grant funds. Events that are not eligible include fundraisers, private/exclusive events, political events, and any events receiving over 50% of their funding from other city-managed sources.
Downey states in the application that the three-day event “raises essential funds for parish and school life,” including educational programs, facility needs, and more. The item is set to be reconsidered at the next City Council meeting on Aug. 12, 2026.
A full recording of the July 22, 2026 Alton City Council meeting is available at the top of this story or on Riverbender.com/video.
