Gaming funds were set aside for 18 agriculture fairs across B.C. and it was announced this week by government that the BC Northern Exhibition was one of them.
The fairs were worthy of financial support because, according to public officials, these agricultural showcases demonstrate a way of life in touch with food production, healthy living, community development, and sustainability. Agricultural fairs were region-specific events that foster and celebrate "the economic, social and cultural importance of farming, ranching and agri-business in B.C. Jams, jellies, pies, plants, animals, 4-H activities, product exhibitions, lively music and a colourful carnival atmosphere combine to give these much-loved annual community events a unique identity."
Almost $800,000 was spread among the 18 fairs and $150,000 of it went to the BC Association of Agricultural Fairs and Exhibitions to help support all of B.C.'s agri-fairs.
The northern B.C. fair associations that got support included:
$70,000 - Prince George Agricultural and Historical Association (Aug. 5-9)
$35,000 - Bulkley Valley Agricultural and Industrial Association (Smithers, Aug. 21-14)
$22,000 - Dawson Creek and District Exhibition Association (Aug. 6-10)
$16,500 - Lakes District Fall Fair Association (Francois Lake, Sept. 5-7)
$10,000 - Quesnel Agricultural and Exhibition Association (Sept. 20-21)
"Each fair in northern B.C. has its own unique flavour with different themes and events," said Agriculture Minister Norm Letnick. "This funding will assist the community fairs in Prince George, Dawson Creek, Smithers, Quesnel, and the Lakes District in celebrating and growing the agriculture sector."
BC Association of Agricultural Fairs and Exhibitions president Ann Siddall said it was economically and culturally important to invest some of that money in agriculture fairs.
"The 2013 BC Fairs Community Impact Study reported provincially 11,500 volunteers contribute 127,000 hours annually to support their local fair," said Siddall. "The community gaming grant provides the funding to ensure B.C.'s fairs can continue to deliver broad-ranging programming and events, which capture the imagination of all segments of the population, including urban and rural, young and old, families and individuals."
To apply for a B.C. community gaming grant, visit: https://www.gaming.gov.bc.ca/grants/index.htm
