File Photo (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Vernon-Monashee MLA Harwinder Sandhu

Sound Off

SOUND OFF: The show will go on — supporting our fairs and festivals

Feb 22, 2023 | 9:48 AM

THROUGHOUT THE YEAR, there are events we all look forward to. The type of day when everyone in the community is buzzing with excitement. Depending on where you live, and what you’re passionate about, it might be an agricultural fair, a music festival, an arts showcase, a sports tournament or something totally unique to your town.

It’s no secret that the last few years have been hard on a lot of industries, and the tourism and events sector has been hit particularly hard. And that’s why our government is stepping up to ensure these cherished events can continue.

We’re providing $30 million to support B.C.’s fairs, festivals and events as they re-establish themselves and continue to recover. With as much as $250,000 available to each event, these grants will help to cover venue rentals, wages for workers, marketing and other operational costs so that the events can go on.

Funding for these events is not just about supporting community fun – it’s also about supporting the local economy. Events and festivals create jobs for people, both at the event itself and at the local businesses in the area.

When people travel to a fair or festival, they are likely spending time and money in the community, and maybe even staying overnight. Many restaurants, hotels and motels, campgrounds and shops benefit when an event happens, and they are able to hire more workers for the season.

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Our $30 million investment in events for the 2023 and 2024 season builds on the work we’ve been doing since the start of the pandemic to support the tourism, arts and events industries.

The BC New Democrat government has provided more than half-a-billion dollars to the tourism industry over the last three years, which has helped support many beloved events in Kamloops, like the Kamloopa Powwow, the Provincial Winter Fair, the Daybreak Rotary Ribfest and the Kamloops Film Festival.

For this funding period, event organizers are asked to apply as soon as possible, and no later than March 3, 2023.

We’re going to continue to work closely with the industry to understand what’s working and get their input on what’s needed for a robust recovery.

These community events give us a chance to shake off the routine of everyday life and rekindle connections with our friends and neighbours. You might be gathering to honour a decades-old family tradition, or starting a brand new one. Whatever the reason, I hope to see you there!

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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.