The B.C. government is providing $25,000 to help the Village of Anmore make local arts and culture an important part of the community's 25th anniversary celebration, Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister Bill Bennett announced today.

Last March, the government of B.C. provided $800,000 to help B.C. communities include local arts and culture in their 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.

September 9th is officially Ma Murray Day in Anmore. A home formerly owned by the legendary B.C. newspaper editor and her husband is located in the community (and is proudly used as the municipal hall). Featuring a heritage and county fair theme to commemorate the 25th anniversary, Ma Murray Day offers activities for people of all ages to enjoy, including live music, children's crafts, information from community organizations, pie and jam making contests and a watermelon-eating contest. In addition, celebrations include the unveiling of the 25th anniversary art project and an archive project.

Quotes:

Bill Bennett, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development -

"Congratulations to the Village of Anmore on the community's 25th anniversary. This year the B.C. government is helping communities around the province celebrate historic milestones by providing funding to enlist the talents of local artists and cultural organizations during anniversary events. This support will help communities foster a sense of pride and identity."

Heather Anderson, mayor of the Village of Anmore -

"The Village of Anmore proudly celebrates the 25th anniversary of our incorporation. Long before, people in this community lived a rural lifestyle closely connected to nature. Today, Anmore honours its rural heritage. Residents and visitors alike enjoy nature through hiking, fishing, biking and canoeing. With support from the B.C. government, we developed a community heritage theme for our 25th anniversary activities. I encourage everyone to celebrate, support and enjoy this special anniversary on Ma Murray Day."

Quick Facts:

• Since 2001, the government of B.C. has granted close to $4 million to the Village of Anmore through a range of programs that help support local governments.
• In 2011-12, the B.C. government granted $104,848 for the Anmore Outdoor Fitness and Recreation Park through the Community Recreation Program.
• In 2011-12, the government of B.C. approved gaming grants for the Friendly Forest Pre-School Association ($7,000) and Scouts Canada 1st Anmore ($4,500).

Learn More:

Check out the B.C. government'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 Village of Anmore online for details about the community's centennial celebrations from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 9 at: http://www.anmore.com/siteengine/activepage.asp

Contact:

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