OLIVER – New Democrat MLA Roly Russell says that funding will help ensure local fairs, festivals and events can provide fun and excitement for residents and visitors alike.

“Recent years have been challenging for many of us, and so our fairs, festivals, and events become even more important, bringing our communities together and drawing visitors from near and far to fuel our tourism sector,” says Roly Russell, MLA for Boundary-Similkameen. “It’s a joy to see these locally-led events across our region get more support, inviting people to come together to connect, celebrate, and discover.  Whether it’s athletes at the Oliver Triathlon, chili peppers at the Similkameen Sizzle, or points between, I applaud these groups for their work bringing people together and I’m pleased the BC government is helping out.”

In Boundary-Similkameen, 13 events are receiving almost $70,000 in funding, including $12,900 for the Oliver Triathlon, $2,000 for the Similkameen Sizzle in Keremeos and $3,600 for the Pride Arts Festival in Osoyoos.

Across B.C., $15 million in funding will support 1114 fairs, festivals, and events in 2024 and 2025.

Since 2021, the BC New Democrat government has provided $80 million through the Fairs, Festivals, and Events Fund, helping event organizers to overcome ongoing challenges and ensure fun experiences are available for residents and visitors around the province.