Wainwright, Alberta, April 18, 2008 - The community of Wainwright will hold three days of festivities to celebrate its centennial anniversary, thanks to an investment from the Government of Canada.
Leon Benoit, Member of Parliament (Vegreville-Wainwright), on behalf of the Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages, today announced funding for the Wainwright centennial celebrations.
Funding of $16,000 will support the Wainwright Centennial Celebration Committee's 100th anniversary celebrations for Wainwright, which will be held from July 17 to 19, 2008. Planned activities include a formal ball, military ceremony, and an all-day centennial party in Wallace Park.
"The Government of Canada is pleased to support the Wainwright Centennial Celebration Committee's 100th anniversary celebrations," said Minister Verner. "We are proud to partner with communities to support activities that celebrate local history, arts, and heritage."
"It is important that future generations be aware of their origins and of Canada's rich and diverse heritage," said Mr. Benoit. "The 100th anniversary celebrations for Wainwright will increase pride in our community."
"We're very pleased to receive the support of Canadian Heritage," said Kelly Clemmer, Chair of the Wainwright Centennial Celebrations Committee. "The committee is excited to work toward making our centennial something that will be remembered for a lifetime, as we celebrate Wainwright and area's past, present and future."
The new Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage (BCAH) program, announced in September 2007, provides Canadians with more opportunities to take part in local activities that present arts and culture and celebrate local history and heritage. This program will benefit many community events and celebrations in Canada throughout the coming year.
The Government of Canada is committed to building stronger communities and to providing all Canadians with opportunities to get involved in their communities and in celebrating Canadian arts and heritage.
Information:
Dominic Gosselin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage,
Status of Women and Official Languages
819 997-7788
Ginette Montreuil
Regional Manager
Communications
Western Region
Canadian Heritage
604 666-6504
Donald Boulanger
A/Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819 994-9101
