ABBOTSFORD, British Columbia, June 23, 2008 -Abbotsford-area residents and visitors of all ages will be able to enjoy Art in the Park at the annual Agrifair, 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 Agrifair.
Funding of $3,000 will be used to present the five-day Agrifair, which runs from July 31 to August 4, 2008. The fair will include Art in the Park, featuring local amateur and professional artists in a series of demonstrations, performances in historic dress, and street performances. This year the Agrifair will also join in celebrations for British Columbia's 150th anniversary.
"The Government of Canada is pleased to support the Abbotsford Agrifair," said Minister Verner. "We are proud to partner with communities to support activities that celebrate the diversity of cultural expression in Canada."
"Local festivals like this one bring people of all ages and backgrounds together and contribute to building strong communities," said Mr. Fast. "The Government of Canada is proud to support local community organizations in their efforts to provide Canadians with access to activities that celebrate local history, arts, and heritage."
"Abbotsford Agrifair is thrilled to receive funding from the Government of Canada," said Pamela Brenner, General Manager of the Abbotsford Agrifair. "This funding enables us to increase participation of local artists, offering them the opportunity to showcase their talents to our fair guests and enhance our community event overall. Abbotsford Agrifair continues to encourage community participation, and this funding allows expansion in the areas of arts and heritage."
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.
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
