The Cranbrook Rodeo and the Wycliffe Exhibition Association is one of 12 agricultural fairs that will share $371,000 in gaming grants from the provincial government, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development Ida Chong announced today (June 14).

For the first two months (April and May) of fiscal year 2012-13, the government of B.C. approved 91 community gaming grants totaling $2,612,000, including funding for the agricultural fairs. Forty-one sports groups and 38 arts and culture organizations representing communities throughout the province also received grants. The government of B.C. will continue distributing gaming grants throughout the current fiscal year, totalling $135 million by March 31, 2013.

“Agricultural fairs celebrate community culture and unique regional identity in British Columbia. Large exhibitions profile important economic opportunities. Traditional fall fairs showcase local entrepreneurs. Rodeos offer residents and visitors an opportunity to enjoy exciting sports and appreciate B.C.’s great ranching heritage,” stated Chong.

“I commend the strong local organizations that make B.C.’s great agricultural fairs possible year after year. Their volunteers and supporters contribute so much to the quality of life in their communities. The Province is proud to support their efforts to keep the tradition of agricultural fairs strong in British Columbia,” added Don McRae, Minister of Agriculture.

“Agricultural fairs are a B.C. tradition. They offer wonderful opportunities to showcase regional agriculture and promote locally- grown foods. It is our plan to ensure that food production in B.C. will continue to grow and support healthy communities across the province. A trip to an agricultural fair can serve as the inspiration for young people to make a future in agriculture.”

In January 2012, Premier Christy Clark increased the annual base budget for gaming grants by $15 million to $135 million per year into the future.

Eligibility for community gaming grants includes agricultural fairs, local festivals and celebrations, heritage associations and museums, arts and culture, sports, environmental organizations, human and social services, public safety, parent advisory councils and district parent advisory councils.

Recipients are:

* $80,000 – Abbotsford Agrifair.

* $70,000 – Prince George Exhibition.

* $40,000 – Comox Valley Exhibition.

* $40,000 – Coombs Fair (Arrowsmith Agricultural Association).

* $33,000 – Chilliwack Fair.

* $22,000 – Dawson Creek Exhibition and Stampede.

* $20,000 – Alberni District Fall Fair.

* $19,000 – North Thompson Fall Fair and Rodeo.

* $15,000 – Lakes District Fall Fair Association.

* $15,000 – Salmon Arm Fall Fair.

* $10,000 – Cranbrook Rodeo (Wycliffe Exhibition Association).

* $7,000 – Pass Creek Regional Exhibition Society.

The Cranbrook Rodeo is running August 17-19 at Wycliffe.

For more on the rodeo go to: http://www.cranbrookrodeo.com/schedule.htm

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