ABBOTSFORD, British Columbia, May 28, 2008 - Once again this year, Abbotsford-area residents will have an opportunity to participate in the Historic Downtown Berrybeat Festival, thanks to an investment by the Government of Canada.
Ed Fast, Member of Parliament (Abbotsford), on behalf of the Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages and Minister for La Francophonie, today announced funding for the Abbotsford Downtown Business Association.
Funding of $3,000 will help the Association present the 27th annual Berrybeat Festival, from July 4 to July 5, 2008. The Festival is a community street-fair celebrating the Abbotsford berry industry. Planned events include a series of concerts by local amateur and professional artists.
"The Government of Canada is proud to support activities that celebrate local history, arts, and heritage," said Minister Verner. "We are 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."
"Local projects like the Abbotsford Berrybeat Festival bring people of all ages and backgrounds together and help build strong communities," said Mr. Fast. "I am proud that our Government has taken decisive steps to strengthen our shared sense of heritage."
"We are delighted that our 27th annual Abbotsford Berrybeat Festival was chosen as a recipient of a Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage grant," said Ingrid Epp, Executive Director of the Abbotsford Downtown Business Association. "This project funding allows us to expand the engaging activities at the festival and provide additional opportunity for local performers and artisans while enriching the experience of the public and volunteers in the charming Historic Downtown Abbotsford setting."
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 throughout Canada this year.
Information:
Dominic Gosselin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage,
Status of Women and Official Languages and Minister for La Francophonie
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
