BRIERCREST, SK, Feb. 28, 2012 /CNW/ - Citizens of the Village of Briercrest will be able to celebrate the 100th anniversary of their community, thanks in part to an investment by the Government of Canada. This was announced today by Ray Boughen, Member of Parliament (Palliser), on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.
Funding will support the centennial activities organized by the Briercrest 100th Anniversary Committee. On the weekend of June 29 to July 1, 2012, these celebrations will feature musical and dance performances, a local history talk, and poetry readings. Approximately 500 people are expected to attend the festivities.
"Our Government received a strong mandate from Canadians to invest in and celebrate important local milestones like the 100th anniversary of Briercrest," said Minister Moore. "By supporting these celebrations, our Government is delivering on its commitment to strengthen our economy and support arts, culture, and heritage."
"This centennial celebration will help demonstrate the well-developed community spirit and rich history of Briercrest, as residents and former residents gather over the weekend-long celebration that will showcase local artists," said Mr. Boughen. "A 100th anniversary is well-worth celebrating, and I congratulate all those who have been working so hard to mark this significant event in the history of our area."
"The Briercrest Centennial Committee is very pleased to receive support from the Government of Canada," said Eileen Flegel, Registrar, Briercrest 100th Anniversary Committee. "We hope our celebrations will demonstrate how a wonderful mix of hard work, vision, determination, creativity, and planning got us here 100 years later. This funding, along with the support of the community and organizations, will ensure that our centennial will be remembered for a lifetime."
Briercrest is located in southern Saskatchewan. Although only about 125 residents currently live in the village, it remains an active community, with businesses and local organizations serving the area.
Communities from coast to coast to coast will be commemorating significant anniversaries in the coming years, including the Queen's Diamond Jubilee in 2012, the 200th anniversary of the birth of Sir John A. MacDonald in 2015, and, of course, Canada's 150th birthday in 2017. These events, rooted in our history, strengthen our identity and values as Canadians.
The Government of Canada has provided funding of $4,400 through the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program provides Canadians with more opportunities to take part in activities that present local arts and culture and celebrate local history and heritage.
For more information (media only), please contact:
Sébastien Gariépy
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages
819-997-7788
Francine D. Lefebvre
Director
Regional Communications
Prairies and Northern Region
Canadian Heritage
Tel.: 204-983-4367
Cell: 204-899-8611
[email protected]
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
[email protected]
(This news release is available on the Internet at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Newsroom.)
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