The annual $24,500 Alexandra Blossom Festival promotional grant funding from Central Otago District Council has gone back into the pot, paving the way for new events to be considered.

The Vincent Community Board decides on both promotional grants and community grants twice a year, and since the blossom festival’s funding had recently been secured by tourism reserves, there is now $45,000 available.

Next week the community board will consider applications from Thymed Events NZ, which is asking for $10,000 for the Clyde Classic, and $8,000 for the Alexandra Airport Backyard Ultra 2026.

Mountain Bikers of Alexandra also put in an application for $,2795 for medic support at its next Linger and Die Enduro MTB race in September.

Meanwhile, nine community grant applications have been received - requesting $76,951 in funding from a funding pool of just $38,000.

The applications cover a wide range of initiatives, including a $2,100 utility mural box for the residents of Juniper Close in Alexandra, and $5,000 for stage 3 of Clyde Museum’s restoration.

The Alexandra District Museum Inc has asked for $30,000 for its ‘Our Stories’ exhibition, and the Dunstan Equestrian Centre needs $15,000 for carpentry costs of the new toilet block and changing rooms.

The remainder of the applications were for rent and hall hire costs for several community groups including Puna Rangatahi (Alex & Districts Youth Trust, Alex & Districts Pipe Band Inc and the Alexandra Community Advice Network.)

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