NDP MLAs say new recovery funding will help local fairs, festivals and events resume in Chilliwack, Harrison Hot Springs and Agassiz

Released: December 13, 2021

New Democrat MLAs Kelli Paddon and Dan Coulter say new support from the BC New Democrat government will help local fairs, festivals and community events resume in Chilliwack and surrounding area.

“People are eager to get back out into their community and safely enjoy their favourite festivals, fairs and events. These grants will help ensure that beloved events like the Chilliwack Fair and the Chilliwack Rodeo can come back strong in 2022,” said Dan Coulter, MLA for Chilliwack.

Both the Agassiz Fall Fair and Corn Festival and the Harrison Festival of Arts will benefit from this recovery funding, as well as 8 fairs, festivals or events in Chilliwack.

Some examples include

  • The Chilliwack Fair
  • The Chilliwack Rodeo
  • The BCHL Showcase
  • The SpongeBob Musical

“Arts and cultural events allow people to express themselves and their passions, and benefit us all by boosting our local economies and creating a sense of community. I’m especially looking forward to seeing my kids as a part of the SpongeBob Musical this coming year!” said Kelli Paddon, MLA for Chilliwack-Kent.

These fairs, festivals, and events are among the 680 events across the province supported by the BC New Democrat government’s investment. The government is providing nearly $30 million in one-time grants to eligible event organizers to support their efforts to resume safely. Grant amounts for each event are up to 20% of the total event budget, up to a maximum of $250,000.

Successful recipients demonstrated the economic and social benefits of their event, as well as strong local or regional support. Examples of eligible expenses include operational costs, health and safety measures, venue rental, marketing, wages and promotion.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, the New Democrat government has worked closely with B.C.’s tourism sector and provided $225 million in support to ensure businesses and non-profits can continue to draw visitors and benefit local communities for years to come.

Learn More: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2021TACS0078-002377

To see the list of recipients for the Fairs, Festivals, and Events Recovery Fund, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/BCFFE_Funded_Events.pdf