Government of Canada Supports Crowsnest Pass Doors Open and Heritage Festival

July 08, 2008

BLAIRMORE, Alberta – Blairmore-area residents and visitors will be able to attend the Crowsnest Pass Doors Open and Heritage Festival, thanks to an investment by the Government of Canada.

Ted Menzies, Member of Parliament (MacLeod) and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance, 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 Crowsnest Pass Economic Development Board.

The $8,000 in funding will allow the Crowsnest Pass Economic Development Board to hold the Crowsnest Pass Doors Open and Heritage Festival, which takes place from August 1 to 4. Among the activities planned for this long weekend are historic tours, an outdoor market, pottery demonstrations, and musical entertainment.

“The Government of Canada is pleased to announce funding for the Crowsnest Pass Economic Development Board,” said Minister Verner. “We are proud to partner with communities to support activities that celebrate local history, arts, and heritage.”

“Local festivals like this one bring people of all ages and backgrounds together and contribute to building strong communities,” said Mr. Menzies. “I am proud that our Government encourages such activities to give all Canadians an increased awareness of the value of our collective heritage.”

“With the support of the Government of Canada we are able to further showcase this festival, with all of its local flavour, to our residents and visitors in a bigger and better way,” said Cathy Pisony, Crowsnest Pass Doors Open & Heritage Festival Coordinator.

The new Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage (BCAH) program, announced in September 2007, provides Canadians with more opportunities to take part in local activities that present arts and culture and celebrate local history and heritage. This program will benefit many community events and celebrations in Canada throughout the coming year and offer Canadians opportunities to get involved in their communities and to celebrate Canadian arts and heritage.