Our provincial government is providing nearly a quarter of a million dollars in support to community festivals this year.

Sport, Culture and Heritage Minister Obby Khan has announced over $221,000 in grants to 38 rural and northern communities to support festivals that promote understanding, awareness and appreciation of their heritage. Many of those festivals are in southeastern Manitoba and several have already taken place this year.

The list includes: 

  • Steinbach Summer in the City (June 16-18) - $8,317.61
  • Mitchell and Area Fun Days (July 8-9) - $3,673.06
  • Kleefeld Honey Festival (August 26-27) - $841.74
  • Hanover Ag Fair (August 17-20) - $8,317.61
  • Niverville Old Tyme Country Fair (June 7-8) - $8,317.61
  • Vita Canada Day (June 30-July 2) - $4,987.24
  • Richer Rough Stock Rodeo and Country Fair (August 11-13) - $8,317.61
  • Cheyenne Summer Festival in Ste. Agathe (July 14-15) - $1,272.59
  • Springfield Chickendaze (June 9-11) - $8,317.61
  • Carrick Days (August 12-13) - $1,211.88
  • Dominion City Summerfest (July 7-8) - $1,806.59
  • Manitoba Stampede and Exhibition (July 21-23) - $40,600
  • Pinawa 60th Diamond Jubilee Birthday Celebration (July 14-16) - $1,238.49
  • Lac du Bonnet Canada Day Celebration (July 1-3) - $3,338.69
  • 4P Festival in Powerview-Pine Falls (September 1-4) - $1,409.84

"Manitoba is known to have incredible festivals that truly showcase the unique character and spirit of our province and we encourage all Manitobans to get out and enjoy these celebrations," says Khan. "I love the diversity, inclusiveness and cultural heritage in these great communities, and our government is proud to support all forms of community festivals in all corners of this great province."

The minister says the Community Festivals and Events Program provides operating grants to festivals that take place over a minimum of two days in rural and northern Manitoba. These festivals are recognized as the community's signature annual events and encourage youth participation and leadership.

One of those festivals takes place this weekend in Ste. Agathe.

"Ste. Agathe's signature community event for nearly 35 years, the Festival d’été Cheyenne Summer Festival has become an integral part of our town's history," says Chair Eric Gagnon. "Having been an organizer for almost a decade, I can say this is in no small part because of the continued support provided by the Manitoba government through the Community Festivals and Events Program."

The Community Festivals and Events program support events that:

  • encourage youth participation and leadership;
  • reflect, celebrate, and profile the unique character of communities;
  • foster a sense of identity and pride; and
  • contribute to local tourism and economic activity.

Khan says this year's funding increased from last year to allow additional funds for community celebrations.