Twelve agricultural fairs will share $371,000 in gaming
grants from the provincial government, Minister of Community, Sport
and Cultural Development Ida Chong recently announced.
Recipients are:
* $80,000 - Abbotsford Agrifair.
* $70,000 - Prince George Exhibition.
* $40,000 - Comox Valley Exhibition.
* $40,000 - Coombs Fair (Arrowsmith Agricultural Association).
* $33,000 - Chilliwack Fair.
* $22,000 - Dawson Creek Exhibition and Stampede.
* $20,000 - Alberni District Fall Fair.
* $19,000 - North Thompson Fall Fair and Rodeo.
* $15,000 - Lakes District Fall Fair Association.
* $15,000 - Salmon Arm Fall Fair.
* $10,000 - Cranbrook Rodeo (Wycliffe Exhibition Association).
* $7,000 - Pass Creek Regional Exhibition Society.
For the first two months (April and May) of fiscal year 2012-13, the
government of B.C. approved 91 community gaming grants totalling
$2,612,000, including funding for the agricultural fairs. Forty-one
sports groups and 38 arts and culture organizations representing
communities throughout the province also received grants. The
government of B.C. will continue distributing gaming grants
throughout the current fiscal year, totalling $135 million by March
31, 2013.
Ida Chong, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development, commented, "Agricultural fairs celebrate community culture and unique regional identity in British Columbia. Large exhibitions profile important economic opportunities. Traditional fall fairs showcase local entrepreneurs. Rodeos offer residents and visitors an opportunity to enjoy exciting sports and appreciate B.C.'s great ranching heritage."
"I commend the strong local organizations that make B.C.'s great agricultural fairs possible year after year. Their volunteers and supporters contribute so much to the quality of life in their communities. The Province is proud to support their efforts to keep the tradition of agricultural fairs strong in British Columbia."