MEACHAM, SK, Feb. 17, 2012 /CNW/ - Residents of Meacham will be able to celebrate the 100-year anniversary of their village, thanks to an investment by the Government of Canada. This was announced today by the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification and Member of Parliament (Blackstrap), on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.
The activities, organized by the Meacham Historic and Cultural Society, will begin at the end of May and culminate with a homecoming weekend on July 28 and 29, 2012. Events will feature the work of over 40 local artists, artisans, and historical heritage presenters and will include musical performances, demonstrations by local woodworkers, and tours of historic community buildings. As part of the centennial celebrations, the organization will also create a community mural, ensure the preservation of a historic bell, and commission an artistic installation.
"Our Government received a strong mandate from Canadians to celebrate important milestones in communities across Canada," said Minister Moore. "By supporting these anniversaries, our Government is delivering on its commitment to strengthen our economy and support arts, culture, and heritage."
"The organizing committee has planned exciting activities to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Meacham," said Minister of State Yelich. "I congratulate all those who have been working so hard to mark this important event in my province's history."
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 Village of Meacham and its Recreation Board, along with the Meacham Historic and Cultural Society and the Rural Municipality of Colonsay, are excited to be celebrating their centennial with special events throughout the year," said Janice Sopatyk, Vice-Chairperson of the Meacham Historic and Cultural Society. "We expect to welcome many former Meacham residents to our homecoming celebrations July 28 and 29. This important commemoration of our past 100 years would not be possible without the generous funding assistance from the Government of Canada."
The Government of Canada has provided funding of $13,900 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.)
Share this article