The B.C. government is supporting agricultural fairs, British Columbia's annual celebrations of rural heritage and the bounty of the land, featuring great traditions such as livestock competitions, 4-H activities and red ribbon prizes for best jams, jellies and pies, Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister Coralee Oakes announced today.

This year 20 agricultural fairs in communities throughout British Columbia will share $689,500 in gaming grants from the B.C. government.

Recipients are:

• $100,000 - Interior Provincial Exhibition & Stampede (Armstrong)
• $80,000 - Abbotsford Agrifair
• $70,000 - Prince George Exhibition
• $50,000 - Lower Fraser Valley Exhibition (Surrey)
• $48,000 - Kamloops Exhibition
• $40,000 - Comox Valley Exhibition Association Fall Fair (Courtenay)
• $40,000 - Coombs Fair (Arrowsmith Agricultural Association)
• $40,000 - Vancouver Island Exhibition (Nanaimo)
• $37,000 - Salmon Arm Fall Fair
• $33,000 - Chilliwack Fair
• $30,000 - Bulkley Valley Exhibition (Smithers)
• $25,000 - North Thompson Fall Fair and Rodeo (Barriere)
• $22,000 - Dawson Creek Exhibition and Stampede
• $20,000 - Alberni District Fall Fair (Port Alberni)
• $16,500 - Lakes District Fall Fair (Burns Lake)
• $10,000 - Cranbrook Rodeo (Wycliffe Exhibition Association)
• $10,000 - Quesnel Fall Fair
• $7,500 - Nicola Valley Fall Fair (Merritt)
• $5,500 - Sooke Fall Fair
• $5,000 - Grand Forks & District Fall Fair

As diverse as their host communities, agricultural fairs reflect the economic vitality and cultural legacy of farming and ranching in British Columbia. Fairs feature traditional agricultural exhibits, as well as providing valuable promotional opportunities to showcase regional economies. In addition, participating local organizations and non-profit societies provide public education about their programs and services.

Quotes:

Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister Coralee Oakes -

"Under the BC Jobs Plan, the B.C. government's agrifoods strategy supports economic growth by promoting British Columbia's high-quality, high-value agricultural products in domestic and international markets. Agricultural fairs showcase local agribusinesses and the jobs they support in B.C. communities. "

Agriculture Minister Pat Pimm -

"Agriculture is an essential part of the history and economy of British Columbia, and the first agriculture fair was held in Victoria in 1861. Today, agriculture fairs continue the tradition of celebrating and showcasing our agriculture industry in communities throughout the province. I encourage all to support B.C. farmers and communities by visiting local fairs or exhibitions and buying local foods throughout the year."

BC Association of Agricultural Fairs & Exhibitions President Ann Siddall -

"The BC Association of Agricultural Fairs & Exhibitions is grateful for the generous support of the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development. These funds are invaluable to B.C.'s fairs and exhibitions that strive to provide affordable family entertainment, encourage community pride and promote awareness of British Columbia's diverse agriculture industry."

Quick Facts:

• Every year, the B.C. government approves $135 million in gaming grants benefitting over 5,000 local organizations representing virtually every community in the province.
• For a full list of approved gaming grants, visit: www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/gaming
• Those eligible for community gaming grants include agricultural fairs, local festivals and celebrations, heritage associations and museums, arts and culture, sports, environmental organizations, human and social services, public safety, parent advisory councils and district parent advisory councils.

Learn More:

Visit the BC Association of Agricultural Fairs & Exhibitions at: http://www.bcfairs.ca

Check out the provincial government's role in supporting sport, arts and culture through the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development at: http://www.gov.bc.ca/cscd

Contact:

Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
250 387-4089