The B.C. government is providing $75,000 to help the District of Mission make local arts and culture an important part of the community's 120th anniversary celebration, Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister Bill Bennett announced today.

Last March, the B.C. government provided $800,000 to help British Columbia communities include local arts and culture in their milestone anniversary festivities.

The District of Mission will hold a community celebration on Sept. 29, starting at noon at Heritage Park Centre. Residents and visitors are invited to enjoy live music, an old-fashioned sports day for the children, archival displays, a movie preview about Mission, dance performances - and a tea and fashion show featuring clothing worn over the last 120 years.

In the evening, former and current mayors and councillors will be recognized, followed by entertainment, including a performance by Tiller's Folly.

B.C. government support helped the district purchase new sound and lighting equipment for the Clarke Theatre, used by many community groups. In addition, several local arts and culture grants from the government of B.C. will help create legacies for many organizations in the community.

Quotes:

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

"Congratulations to the District of Mission on the community's 120th anniversary. This year the B.C. government is helping communities around the province celebrate historic milestones by providing funding to enjoy the talents of local artists and cultural organizations during anniversary events. I know this support will help communities foster a sense of pride and identity."

Randy Hawes, MLA Abbotsford-Mission -

"The District of Mission's 120th anniversary provides a great opportunity for local families and residents of all ages to celebrate the community's history and look forward to a great future. I congratulate all the wonderful community organizations and volunteers for all they do to make the District of Mission a great place to live, work and invest."

Marc Dalton, MLA Maple Ridge-Mission -

"The District of Mission is a great community. It's a place where citizens and families continue to build successful futures. As we celebrate Mission's 120th anniversary, we can all take pride in the community's accomplishments. Congratulations and best wishes for continued prosperity and success."

Ted Adlem, mayor of the District of Mission -

"The District of Mission is proudly celebrating our 120th anniversary. A growing community with abundant economic opportunities and amazing natural beauty, Mission is blessed with a rich cultural life. More than 100 artists, including internationally recognized writers, painters and musicians make their home in the district. The B.C. government grant will help the community celebrate this historic anniversary in style and create a lasting legacy through improvements to Clarke Theatre and support for local arts and culture."

Quick Facts:

• Since 2001, the B.C. government has granted more than $10 million to the District of Mission through a range of programs that help support local governments.

• In 2011-12, the B.C. government granted $185,600 to the District of Mission for the Arena and Curling Rink Dehumidifiers project under the Community Recreation Program.

• In 2012-13, the BC Arts Council, a publicly funded, independent agency of the B.C. government that supports artists, arts and culture organizations, approved grants for the Mission Folk Festival Society ($16,000) and the District of Mission Arts Council ($7,081), as well as $7,800 for Arts in Education and scholarship grants.

• In 2012-13, the government of B.C. approved community gaming grants for the Mission Heritage Association ($23,000) and the Mission Minor Lacrosse Club ($9,900).

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 District of Mission online for details about the community's centennial celebrations on Saturday, Sept. 29 at: http://www.mission.ca

Contact:

Jeff Rud
Communications Director
Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
250 208-4028