The Manitoba government is providing over $221,000 in grants to 38 rural and northern communities to support festivals that promote understanding, awareness and appreciation of their heritage, culture and identity, Sport, Culture and Heritage Minister Obby Khan announced today in a media release.
“Manitoba is known to have incredible festivals that truly showcase the unique character and spirit of our province and we encourage all Manitobans to get out and enjoy these celebrations,” said Khan. “I love the diversity, inclusiveness and cultural heritage in these great communities, and our government is proud to supports all forms of community festivals in all corners of this great province.”
The Community Festivals and Events Program provides operating grants to festivals that take place over a minimum of two days in rural and northern Manitoba. These festivals are recognized as the community’s signature annual event and encourage youth participation and leadership, the minister noted.
“As Ste. Agathe’s signature community event for nearly 35 years, the Festival d’été Cheyenne Summer Festival has become an integral part of our town’s history,” said Eric Gagnon, chair, Festival d’été Cheyenne Summer Festival. “Having been an organizer for almost a decade, I can say this is in no small part because of the continued support provided by the Manitoba government through the Community Festivals and Events Program.”
Upcoming events supported through the program include:
-Festival d’été Cheyenne Summer Festival in the Rural Municipality of Ritchot from July 14 to 15, which celebrates Manitoba’s francophone culture and heritage with a traditional pancake breakfast, parade, fireworks, live entertainment and a baseball tournament.
-Summer Winds Family Music Festival in Victoria Beach from July 21 to 22, which includes activities such as a live musical entertainment, a farmers market, car show and children’s activities.
-Icelandic Festival of Manitoba, Islendingadagurinn, in Gimli from Aug. 4 to 7, which celebrates the largest Icelandic population outside of Iceland with a Viking village with re-enactment actors, food and craft vendors, and children’s activities.
-4P Festival in Powerview-Pine Falls from Sept. 1 to 4, which celebrates the area’s historic resources of pickerel (walleye), peas, power and paper, and includes activities such as a pancake breakfast, sculpture contest, heritage museum tours and children’s events.
The Community Festivals and Events program support events that:
-encourage youth participation and leadership;
-reflect, celebrate, and profile the unique character of communities;
-foster a sense of identity and pride; and
-contribute to local tourism and economic activity.
This year’s funding increased from last year to allow additional funds for community celebrations, the minister added.
For more information about the Community Festivals and Events program, visit www.gov.mb.ca/chc/grants/heritage_grants.html#cfe
