NANAIMO – New Democrat MLAs Sheila Malcolmson and Adam Walker are announcing recipients of provincial funding to help make sure local fairs, festivals and other events continue throughout 2023 and 2024.

“Nanaimo fairs, festivals and events support our small businesses, tourism industry, and local talent,” says Sheila Malcolmson, MLA for Nanaimo. “With our new funding supporting all the fantastic community organizers, more neighbours and visitors can take part.”

In Nanaimo and the Oceanside region, 26 events are receiving almost $280,000 in funding including $39,800 for the Nanaimo Blues Festival, $11,700 for the Nanaimo Marine Festival and Great International Bathtub Race, and $3500 for the Parksville Rock the Park Concert food and drink experience area,

This investment into local events is part of the $30 million in one-time grants the province pledged for Fairs, Festivals, and Events to continue the recovery of a vibrant and strong tourism industry and support our innovative arts industry in B.C.

“We know the pandemic brought on challenges for arts and cultural events,” says Adam Walker, MLA for Parksville-Qualicum Beach. “This funding will support gatherings like Canada Day and Rock the Park Concert in Parksville this summer. I am excited to see our government supporting these events and keeping the joy these events bring alive in our communities.”

This builds upon the success of the BC Fairs, Festivals and Events Program funding in 2021, which provided one-time grants for events to safely return after facing the covid-19 pandemic. These grants for 2023 will support a range of events in locations all over B.C., and associated event costs.

Learn More: https://news.gov.bc.ca/28246

Backgrounder: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/tourism-immigration/tourism-resources/tourism-funding-programs/fairs-festivals-events-fund