The Government of Canada Supports South Country Fair Association

May 29, 2008

FORT MACLEOD – Fort Macleod-area residents and visitors will be able to enjoy more high-quality folk music performances, thanks to an investment by the Government of Canada.

Ted Menzies, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance and Member of Parliament (Macleod), on behalf of the Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages and Minister for La Francophonie, today announced funding for the South Country Fair Association.

Funding of $18,000 will help the Association produce this year’s South Country Fair Folk Music Festival, which will be held July 18 to 21. The Festival will present 23 professional folk music performances showcasing Canadian and international artists. Other features of this year’s festival will include an arts and crafts market and a family area.

“The Government of Canada recognizes that culture is an important part of healthy communities,” said Minister Verner. “Our Government wants to ensure that all Canadians have opportunities to enjoy diverse and varied artistic experiences, like the South Country Fair Folk Music Festival.”

“I am pleased that federal government funding will help support the South Country Fair Folk Music Festival,” said Mr. Menzies. “I commend the South Country Fair Association on its ongoing efforts to offer quality performances and enriching cultural experiences to residents and visitors to the region.”

“As a rural festival, the funding we receive from Canadian Heritage is invaluable to our function and purpose,” said Trent Moranz, SCF Spokesperson. “We are very grateful for the APC program and the opportunity to include more of the vast cultural tapestry of Canada in our festival planning.”

The Government of Canada has provided this funding through the Arts Presentation Canada Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program gives Canadians increased access to the diversity and richness of Canada’s culture through professional arts festivals, presentations of live professional performances, and other artistic experiences.