The Coupeville Festival Association gave out more than $28,000 in community grants Monday night that help support the artistic and historic culture of Central Whidbey.

“This is our favorite night of the year,” said Mike Dessert, the association president.

In total, 17 grants were awarded equalling $28,145.

Dessert said that adds to the $40,000 total given back to the community this year in the form of student scholarships and festival partnerships. Coupeville Boys and Girls Club and Coupeville Chamber of Commerce, for example, ran certain parts of the festival and, in turn, received the proceeds from those projects. The Boys and Girls Club got proceeds from parking and the chamber runs the beer garden.

Grants awarded each year must fit three specific criteria. The grants must be used to promote quality hand crafts and the arts;  to ensure the cultural enrichment of Coupeville residents; or to beautify and preserve the community’s unique and historical qualities.

Grants given Monday are as follows:

• The Coupeville Chamber of Commerce received two grants for framework for hanging baskets and wreaths along Main Street and for the annual Memorial Day Parade and Concert.
• Coupeville Farm to School received a grant to fund 10 garden-based education projects for elementary, middle and high school students.
• Coupeville Farmers Market received a grant for additional directional signage.
• The Coupeville Historic Waterfront Association received two grants to help with the Pennies for Preservation project and to help fund boat tours during Penn Cove Musselfest.
• Coupeville Middle School received a grant to help fund research trips for students participating in History Day.
• Historic Whidbey received a grant to help pay for the removal of a tree at the Haller House.
• The Island County Historical Museum received a grant to help with digitizing archives.
• Pacific Rim Institute received a grant to help with ongoing projects.
• Penn Cove Water Festival received a grant to help support children’s activities at the festival.
• Saratoga Orchestra received a grant to help underwrite the cost of the free concert during the Greening of Coupeville.
• Coupeville Library will use a grant it received to bring a professional theatre group, musicians and performers to the library.
• The Ebey’s Landing Trust Board will use a grant to help fund activities to promote the National Parks Service centennial celebration.
• Lee Roof will use a grant for the Giant Pumpkin Contest for advertising, postage and the creation of free seed packets.
• Beach Watchers will use a grant for its updating of the marine display at Coupeville Wharf.

In its 52nd year, the festival association has given more than $850,000 to the community. From toilet paper for the public bathrooms to saving a block house, the association has helped the community on all levels.

During 2015, the association logged 283 volunteers and had more than 1,200 documented volunteer hours.