WEYBURN, Saskatchewan, August 8, 2008 - Residents and visitors to Weyburn will have the opportunity to take part in the Weyburn Wheat Festival, with the help of an investment by the Government of Canada.
Ed Komarnicki, Membe er of Parliament (Souris-Moose Mountain), on behalf of the Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women and Minister for La Francophonie, is pleased to announce funding for the Weyburn Wheat Festival.
Fund ing of $4,000 will support the Weyburn Wheat Festival, which will take place from August 8 to 10, 2008. The festival will showcase the area's rich agricultural heritage and feature a wide variety of local and regional performers and theatre presentations at several different venues around the city.
"The Government of Canada is pleased to announce funding for the Weyburn Wheat Festival," said Minister Verner. "We are proud to partner with communities to support activities that p romote local arts and heritage."
"Local celebrations like this one bring people of all ages and backgrounds together to contribute to building stronger communities," said Mr. Komarnicki. "I am proud that our Government has taken decisive steps to strengthen our shared sense of heritage."
"The contribution we have received from the Department of Canadian Heritage will be a great help in making our celebration a success," said Marlene Nedelcov, Ch air of the Weyburn Wheat Festival Committee. "The funding gives us the opportunity to encourage local artists and, most importantly, bring the community together to celebrate our local agricultural history."
The Government of Cana da has provided this funding through the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program, announced in September 2007, provides Canadians with more opportunities to take part in activities that p resent local arts and culture and celebrate local history and heritage.
Applications for funding for festivals to be held between January 1 and August 31, 2009, and for community historical commemorations between January 1 and December 31, 2 009, must be received by September 1, 2008.
Information:
Kassandra Albert
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women and Minister for La Francophonie
819 997 -7788
Angela Cassie
Director of Communications and Executive Services
Prairies and Northern Region
Canadian Heritage
204 983-4367
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819 994-9101
1 866 56 9-6155
