CHILLIWACK– New Democrat MLAs Dan Coulter and Kelli Paddon are announcing recipients of provincial funding to help make sure local fairs, festivals and other events continue throughout 2023 and 2024.

“Local community events across Chilliwack and Kent bring people to the Fraser Valley and give those of us who live here a great reason to get together and celebrate. People across the province and the world are facing challenges right now and it’s important that we support those who facilitate connection and joy in our communities,” said Kelli Paddon, MLA for Chilliwack-Kent

In Chilliwack, Agassiz, Cultus Lake, Kent and Harrison Hot Springs, 17 events are receiving over $245,000 including $31,500 for the Chilliwack Fair, $11,800 for the Chilliwack Mural Festival and $13,000 for the Agassiz Fall Fair and Corn Festival.

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.

“Fairs, Festivals and Events are still recovering from the economic impacts of the pandemic, and organizers have worked hard to continue to bring our favourite community events to life. Our government knows that these events are important for tourism and business, but also as a way for people to have a little fun and experience the art, culture, or food that places like Chilliwack have to offer!,” said Dan Coulter, MLA for Chilliwack

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