The government of British Columbia is providing $75,000 to help the township of Spallumcheen make local arts and culture an important part of the community's 120th anniversary celebration, Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister Ida Chong announced today.

Last March, the Province provided $800,000 to help B.C. communities include local arts and culture in milestone anniversary festivities. Funding comes from the 2010 Sport and Arts Legacy, established to carry on the spirit of community celebration that played such a key role in the success of the 2010 Vancouver Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

The township of Spallumcheen is hosting a kick-off event to the celebrations at the municipal office, 4144 Spallumcheen Way, beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, July 16. Activities include a 19th century costume show including a "best dressed" competition. Residents can enjoy cake and old-fashioned ice cream. A local quartet will provide musical entertainment.

Township of Spallumcheen anniversary celebrations continue on August 12, hosted by the O'Keefe Ranch Historical Society. Events include a corn roast, an old-time farmers market, a custom photo booth, tractor-pulled hay rides, give-aways for kids and more cake.

Quotes:

Ida Chong, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development

"Congratulations to the township of Spallumcheen on the community's 120th anniversary. This year, the B.C. government is helping communities around the province celebrating milestone anniversaries by providing funding to enlist the talents of local artists and cultural organizations during their celebrations. This support will help communities foster a sense of pride and identity."

George Abbott, MLA Shuswap

"Township of Spallumcheen residents can be proud of their history and confident in their future. The area's rich agricultural heritage provides a solid foundation for a strong local culture. An enterprising and optimistic community spirit will help to ensure continued growth and success. Happy 120th Birthday to the township of Spallumcheen."

Janice Brown, mayor of the township of Spallumcheen

"The township of Spallumcheen is a unique municipality within British Columbia as it is hugely made up of agricultural land with no city centre. The generous support of the B.C. government, providing $75,000 towards our 120th celebrations, has allowed us the opportunity to draw our community together for arts and cultural events."

"We can celebrate and showcase our diverse and talented organizations and agricultural growers, while taking advantage of our rich landscapes. Our large farming acreages may separate us from living in close proximity, but our pursuit of health, traditions and family bring us together to celebrate our 120th anniversary of incorporation."

Quick Facts:

• Since 2001, the government has invested more than $7,047,400 in the township of Spallumcheen through a range of programs that help support local governments.

• In 2011-12, the B.C. government granted $128,000 to support the McLeod Subdivision Playground Equipment Replacement and Landscape Project through the Community Recreation Program.

• From 2001-2011, the BC Arts Council, funded by the B.C. government, granted the O'Keefe Ranch & Interior Heritage Society a total of $618,000.

Learn More:

Check out the government of British Columbia's role in supporting artists, arts and cultural organizations through the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development at: http://www.gov.bc.ca/cscd

Visit the township of Spallumcheen at: http://www.spallumcheentwp.bc.ca

Contact:

Jeff Rud
Communications Director
Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
250 953-3677