Member of Parliament Blake Richards Announces Support for Sundre and District Historical Society

SUNDRE, AB, Nov. 5, 2013 /CNW/ - Blake Richards, Member of Parliament (Wild Rose), on behalf of the Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, today announced support for the Sundre and District Historical Society for the 2014 edition of Winterfest, its annual winter carnival.

"For the past nine years, Winterfest has attracted thousands of residents and visitors to Sundre, Alberta," said Mr. Richards. "This festival will boost the local economy, add to the community's vitality, and encourage people to explore the rich history of Mountain View County."

The Sundre and District Historical Society will present the 10^th edition of Winterfest on February 15 and 16, 2014. Activities include musical entertainment, ice carvings, artist displays, and demonstrations that showcase the area's cultural heritage. The festival will present the work of more than 60 local artists.

"Our Government is pleased to support local festivals like Winterfest that bring communities together in celebration and foster a sense of pride in all of us," said Minister Glover. "Alberta is home to many unique festivals that provide rich cultural experiences and a platform for local artists to create and perform."

"The Sundre Historical Society works hard to bring events to our town which bring the community together to celebrate our heritage," said Darlene Smee, Manager of the Sundre and District Historical Society. "We would like to thank the Department of Canadian Heritage for their contribution and support for our Winterfest celebration, which has been held in our community for the past nine years."

The Sundre and District Historical Society is a non-profit organization that promotes the history of the town of Sundre, Alberta. Situated at the base of the Rocky Mountain foothills, Sundre is home to more than 2,700 residents.

The Government of Canada has provided funding of $2,000 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.

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SOURCE: Canadian Heritage

For more information (media only), please contact:
Marisa Monnin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages
819-997-7788

Anna Gravelle
A/Regional Manager
Communications
Western Region
Canadian Heritage
604-666-6504

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.)