Parliamentary Secretary Mark Strahl announces funding for the Desert Daze Festival

May 15, 2015 – Spences Bridge, British Columbia – Department of Canadian Heritage

The Government of Canada has provided the Spences Bridge Community Club with $2,800 in funding through the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program in support of the 6^th Desert Daze Festival.

The festival will showcase musical performances, First Nations drumming and dancing, and agricultural displays and workshops, while promoting the work of local artists.

Mark Strahl, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development and Member of Parliament (Chilliwack–Fraser Canyon), made this announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.

Quick Facts

• This year’s Desert Daze Festival will take place from August 7 to 8 on the grounds of Spences Bridge school.
• The Spences Bridge Community Club is a local, non-profit organization that works to promote civic engagement and events in the community that celebrate rural life.
• The Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program provides Canadians with more opportunities to take part in activities that present local arts and culture and celebrate local history and heritage.

Quotes

“Canada’s rural communities represent a strong and vibrant part of our heritage. Our Government is proud to support the Spences Bridge Community Club as it continues to celebrate its rich local history and its community spirit through music, culture and art.”

—The Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages

“Congratulations to the Desert Daze Festival on its 6^th year. Local festivals are integral to supporting local artists and performers, and celebrating the tremendous contributions they make to our communities. I commend the work of the Spences Bridge Community Club and its volunteers for bringing together arts and culture, families and friends each year.”

—Mark Strahl, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development and Member of Parliament (Chilliwack–Fraser Canyon)

“The Spences Bridge Community Club is very appreciative of this funding from Canadian Heritage to assist in our Desert Daze Festival. This support allows us to continue with our 6^th annual festival—a celebration of local musicians, Indigenous heritage and local agriculture. We are very grateful for the support.”

—Mavourneen Varcoe-Ryan, President, Spences Bridge Community Club

Associated Links

Desert Daze Festival

Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage

For more information (media only), please contact:

Marisa Monnin
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages
819-997-7788

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

Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
media@pch.gc.ca