Kamloops Rotary Ribfest 2022 (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Vernon-Monashee MLA Harwinder Sandhu

Sound Off

SOUND OFF: Celebrating the power of community at our local fairs and festivals

Aug 24, 2022 | 10:14 AM

AS WE CONTINUE TO RECOVER from the impacts of the pandemic, this summer has been busy and full of events, with the help of investments from our BC New Democrat government. I spent much of the summer touring the Okanagan and Central Interior and, like many of you, visited fairs, festivals and events. It felt so good to be back in communities, seeing people connecting with friends and families, and enjoying some of the best entertainment that B.C. has to offer.

Pandemic recovery has been top of mind for British Columbians, especially those working in the arts and culture sector and the tourism industry. That’s why last year, we created a relief grant program to support arts, culture, sports and community celebrations across the province, giving out nearly $30 million through one-time grants to eligible event organizers.

The BC Fairs, Festivals and Event Recovery Grants went to more than 680 events in B.C., in 134 different communities. We knew that event organizers needed immediate recovery support, not loans or incentives. This way, event organizers could keep their workers employed and return to hosting the community events that we all look forward to each year. Our government took action to support these groups and ensure that the events you have missed because of the pandemic could come back safely.

The Thompson-Okanagan region was home to 131 of these events. The 94th Annual Williams Lake Stampede received over $180,000, while the 2022 Kamloops 55+ Games received over $110,000. Some exciting local events, like the Kamloops Daybreak Rotary Ribfest, the 84th Provincial Winter Fair, or the 2022 Kamloops Film Festival also received grants. Some of my favourite events included the Peak Pride Festival, the Lumby Days Family Festival, IPE Armstrong and the Okanagan Military Tattoo.

Other events, like the Clinton May Ball Dance and Rodeo, the Kelowna Car Show, the Kelowna Pride Festival, Merritt Rockin’ River Fest or the Ignite the Arts Festival demonstrate that there were events for everyone’s interests this summer.

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Festivals, fairs and events are so much more than just a concert, market or community day. They are hubs that bring people together, connect us with our neighbours and make each community in B.C. unique. We also know that they have a positive impact on people’s mental health, especially after two years of reducing our social contacts, and they give a significant boost to surrounding local businesses as people stop to shop and eat on their way to or from an event. The restaurant industry, retail industry, and other tourism sectors have seen huge benefits as well, as people have travelled across B.C. to attend fairs and festivals.

It’s wonderful to see people enjoying these events and getting excited for upcoming ones. While many of these events have already happened, they aren’t all over yet! Many communities have more exciting events in store for the rest of August and into September. Keep an eye on your local news; there may be an event just waiting for you yet!

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or Pattison Media.