Virginia Beach Neptune Festival Names Adam M. Carroll As King Neptune LII
2026 monarch will serve as a year-round ambassador alongside the Festival’s Royal Court

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va., March 21, 2026 – The Virginia Beach Neptune Festival has named Adam M. Carroll as King Neptune LII, the Festival’s reigning monarch for 2026.

Chosen by the Neptune Festival committee from nominations submitted by the public, the Royal Monarch serves as the figurehead of the Festival’s annual season of events. The selection process considers demonstrated involvement in and contributions to the quality of life in Virginia Beach, along with active participation in community life. Once selected, the Monarch and the rest of the Royal Court serve as ambassadors for the Neptune Festival throughout the year.

“We are proud to name Adam Carroll as King Neptune LII,” said Christopher “Kit” Chope, president and CEO of the Neptune Festival. “Adam’s professional leadership, civic service and long-standing commitment to this community reflect the values the Neptune Festival has celebrated for more than five decades. He is an outstanding choice to represent the Festival and help carry its mission forward throughout 2026.”
Carroll is chief operating officer of The Garcia Companies, where he oversees enterprise operations and supports strategic growth initiatives across the organization’s land management, development, agriculture and mining businesses. A seasoned trial attorney and former managing partner at a leading Virginia Beach law firm, he brings decades of experience handling complex commercial matters, transactions and risk management at the intersection of law and operations.

Active in civic and professional leadership, Carroll serves as second vice chair of the Virginia State Bar Disciplinary Board. He contributes to the region through board and leadership service with the Hampton Roads Chamber, Virginia Beach Neptune Festival and Coastal Virginia Building Industry Association. “It is a true honor to be named King Neptune LII,” said Carroll. “The Neptune Festival has long been a source of pride for Virginia Beach, bringing people together to celebrate our community, our coastline and the spirit that makes this city so special. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside this year’s Royal Court as an ambassador for the Festival and for the place we are proud to call home.”

As King Neptune LII, Carroll will reign over the 2026 Royal Court, including Tritons and the Festival’s Princes and Princesses from area high schools. Royal Court members are recognized as role models in the city and serve as ambassadors for the Neptune Festival throughout the year. The Festival’s mission is to enhance family, community and togetherness, create a positive economic impact for the area and showcase Virginia Beach, our shining city by the sea.

2026 NEPTUNE FESTIVAL TRITONS
Joining King Neptune are Tritons, male and female leaders nominated from across the community who embody the spirit of the Neptune Festival. Once chosen, Tritons and their partners become ambassadors for the Neptune Festival throughout the year.

  • Ashley Allman, Westminster-Canterbury
  • Chris Childs, Core 22 Design Build
  • Alyssa Dangler, Williams Mullen
  • Trent Dudley, Southern Bank
  • Tyler Jacobson, S.L. Nusbaum Realty Co.
  • Jeremy Maloney, Altruistic Design
  • Desiree Mitchell, GEICO
  • Meagan Parker, TowneBank

2026 NEPTUNE FESTIVAL PRINCES AND PRINCESSES
Princes and Princesses have demonstrated active participation in school, community and civic organizations and endeavors. The 2026 Princes and Princesses represent Bayside High School, Cape Henry Collegiate, Cox High School, Kellam High School, Kempsville High School, Landstown High School, Norfolk Academy and Princess Anne High School.

  • Bolden Carson
  • Neel Singh
  • Conner Smith
  • Milan Anderson
  • Audrey Brewer
  • Liliana Couture
    Ella Deal
  • Molly Gelwick
  • Hayden Hoover
  • Olivia San Nicolas
  • Izabela Thompson
  • Eva Uhrin
  • Bailey Wilkins

 

ABOUT VIRGINIA BEACH NEPTUNE FESTIVAL
Founded in 1974, the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival is a private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that produces more than 40 events each year. These events generate tens of millions of dollars for the local economy while contributing to the cultural, educational and recreational development of Hampton Roads. The Festival’s flagship event, Boardwalk Weekend, has an economic impact of $26.1 million, attendance of more than 405,000 and recognition as one of North America’s Top 100 Events. The 2026 Boardwalk Weekend will take place Sept. 25-27. For more information, visit NeptuneFestival.com or call 757.498.0215.

 

Read more about this announcement on The Virginian Pilot