If the list of organizations getting grants to host events is any indication, it’s shaping up to be an action-packed and fun-filled year in New Westminster.
The province has announced recipients of grants through the B.C. Fairs, Festivals and Events – with 21 local events set to receive more than $250,000 in funding.
"By sharing festivals and celebrations, we can learn about each other's cultures and traditions, and get a deeper understanding of our shared history as British Columbians," Richmond-Queensborough MLA Aman Singh said in a news release. "I encourage everyone to attend a local fair, festival or cultural event as we move towards a more inclusive B.C."
The province is providing $30 million to groups across B.C. to host local events and ensure they can continue throughout 2023 and 2024. Organizers of sporting events, arts and culture events, community celebrations, agricultural fairs and rodeos are able to use the grants for a variety of expenses, including operational costs, health-and-safety measures, venue rental, marketing, wages and promotion.
“New Westminster is home to so many different festivals and fairs that connect people with community," New Westminster MLA Jennifer Whiteside said in the news release. "Whether it is the Coastal Dance Festival or the Musical children's arts conference, there is something for everyone. I can’t wait to meet with people as we enjoy all that New Westminster has to offer this spring and summer."
Lisa Kemp, the city’s program coordinator of special events, said the BC Fairs, Festival and Events fund provided many organizers with an opportunity to enhance the great work they are doing for the community.
“The city is looking forward to welcoming back all of these annual events,” she said. “We are finding that the number of outdoor community event requests are similar to last year, but that organizers are looking to make small changes to help with escalating costs. Organizers are also preparing for increased attendance and interest in their events, based off the successes from 2022.”
Here are the New West events receiving grants from the province:
* 12th Street Festival of the Arts — $2,200
* 2024 BC Club Championship — $6,000
* Canada Day: Learn and Discover — $4,700
* Car Free Day New West 2023 — $17,500
* Clean Sober Proud 15th Anniversary — $25,900
* Coastal Dance Festival 2024 —$17,500
* Dog Man: The Musical children's arts conference — $36,800
* FAHMDS Presents 2023 Concert Series #2 at Massey Theatre — $9,200
* Farewell to Summer Fireworks Festival —$16,400
* Hyack International Parade and Festival in the Park 2023 — $10,900
* May Day — $2,100
* Music for the People – A Cultural Experience — $4,200
* New West Cultural Crawl — $2,600
* New West Pride Week and Street Festival 2023— $14,000
* On Your Block — $7,200
* Philippine Independent Film Festival — $15,600
* Pinnacle 2023 — $12,200
* Recovery Day BC — $40,800
* RiverFest 2023 – A Celebration of BC and World Rivers Day — $5,700
* TD Uptown Live Street Party — $19,200
* West Coast Tap Festival — $3,100
