SAINT-VICTOR, Quebec, June 1, 2010 - On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, the Honourable Maxime Bernier, Member of Parliament (Beauce), today announced funding for the Festivités Western de Saint-Victor, which will take place from July 16 to 25, 2010.
The 32nd Festivités Western de Saint-Victor, held in the middle of the summer season, will offer a diversified gathering for the municipality of Saint-Victor. The funding will help the organization present a variety of activities, including country dancing demonstrations, amateur shows featuring close to 90 local artists, country and western music social and dance evenings, bands, and children's activities. This 2010 edition expects to draw close to 50 000 people from the community, provide exposure for more than 113 local artists, and promote community involvement thanks to its 500 volunteers.
"Rooted at the heart of the Saint-Victor community, Festivités Western has, over several decades, earned an enviable position in the world of artistic and cultural entertainment in the Beauce region, much to everyone's delight," said Minister Moore. "The Government of Canada is pleased to support this event, which stems from a community project that relies largely on devoted citizens, provides artists a chance to showcase their talents, and allows the community to discover their local heritage."
" Festivités Western de Saint-Victor is a unifying event for the people of the Beauce region and is the result of hard work by many individuals who add life and vitality to this popular celebration. Supporting these projects is vital, since they encourage tourism, cultural and economic development in the regions," added Mr. Bernier.
"We would like to thank Canadian Heritage for supporting our festival and making it possible for us to continue offering a varied and diversified program of activities," said Kathleen Veilleux, General Director of Festivités Western de Saint-Victor (Beauce).
The Government of Canada has provided $44,500 through the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program provides Canadians with more opportunities to take part in activities that present local arts and culture and celebrate the history and heritage of a region.
For more information (media only), please contact:
Matthew Deacon
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages
819-997-7788
matthew.deacon@pch.gc.ca
Éric Amyot
Director, Regional Communications
Quebec Region
Canadian Heritage
514-283-4027
eric.amyot@pch.gc.ca
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
media@pch.gc.ca
