Local festivals and events will attract attendees from near and far this summer, with the Government of British Columbia supporting their success through funding for enhanced promotion.

As part of the $1.1-million provincial investment to assist tourism in wildfire-affected areas, the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture is encouraging British Columbians to lend their support by visiting these areas over the Thanksgiving long weekend.

Performing arts presenters throughout British Columbia are receiving $331,500 in grants to engage professional touring artists and enhance programming activity.

British Columbians are invited to celebrate authors, publishers and the written word on BC Book Day.

Communities throughout the province will benefit from a half a million dollars in B.C. government funding to help non-profit cultural organizations, First Nations and friendship centres improve local arts infrastructure.

The residents of Haida Gwaii will benefit from a total of $500,000 for two recreation projects that will help encourage physical fitness and provide more activity options for families, announced Ida Chong, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development.

Public-minded citizens knowledgeable about property appraisal and real estate values can serve their community by becoming a member of the B.C. Property Assessment Review Panel.