OLIVER – New Democrat MLA Roly Russell says new support from the BC New Democrat government will help local fairs, festivals and community events resume in the Similkameen, South Okanagan, and Boundary regions.

“All across the Similkameen, South Okanagan, and Boundary, there are great community events to attend all year-round,” said MLA Russell. “These supports will help organizers keep their events going after delays and cancellations due to COVID-19, and I look forwarding to attending many of them when they return next year.”

36 fairs, festivals, and events in the region will benefit from over $1.5 million in recovery funding. Events and festivals like the Kettle Mettle Gravel Fondo, Canada Rock Fest, Half Corked Marathon, and Ironman Canada – Penticton are all among the recipients in the region.

These fairs, festivals, and events are among the 680 events across the province supported by the BC New Democrat government’s investment. The government is providing nearly $30 million in one-time grants to eligible event organizers to support their efforts to resume safely. Grant amounts for each event are up to 20% of the total event budget, up to a maximum of $250,000.

Successful recipients demonstrated the economic and social benefits of their event, as well as strong local or regional support. Examples of eligible expenses include operational costs, health and safety measures, venue rental, marketing, wages and promotion.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, the New Democrat government has worked closely with B.C.’s tourism sector and provided $225 million in support to ensure businesses and non-profits can continue to draw visitors and benefit local communities for years to come.

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B.C. fairs, festivals and events benefit from recovery funding