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

“Vernon is well known for so many of the fantastic events that we host all year round. Fairs and festivals bring so much joy, happiness, fun and community togetherness, where we all come together to celebrate and join these events!” says Harwinder Sandhu, MLA for Vernon-Monashee. “Our government is funding a wide variety of fairs, festivals, and sports activities in Vernon, helping organizers and volunteers to put on a great show for both locals and tourists.”

In Vernon-Monashee, 20 events are receiving more than $160,000 in funding, including $40,300 for the Funtastic Slo Pitch and Music Festival, $20,100 for the Sounds of Celebration presented by The Okanagan Military Tattoo Society, $19,500 for the Winter Carnival, $3,400 for the Sunshine Days Short Film Festival in Vernon and $5,200 for the Lumby Days Family Festival.

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.