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Federal funds go to International Festival

Langley International Festival Society has received $11,200 to help present the 12th annual festival, which will take place Aug. 25 and 26.

Langley’s International Festival Society, a local non-profit organization that promotes art in the community, has received a financial boost from the federal government.

MP Mark Warawa announced that the Langley International Festival Society has received $11,200 to help present the 12th annual festival, which will take place Aug. 25 and 26.

Activities will include theatrical, dance and musical performances as well as a variety of visual art displays.  Approximately 165 volunteers will devote more than 15,000 hours to the festival which will feature the work of 340 local artists. Attendance is expected to top 25,000.

“Our government received a strong mandate from Canadians to invest in organizations that support local artists, like the Langley International Festival Society,” Warawa said.

“By supporting this organization, our government is delivering on its commitment to strengthen our economy and support our arts, culture, and heritage.”

He said that for several years, the festival has brought together Langley residents, and introduced them to their neighbours’ arts, culture and heritage.

“I enjoy coming out every year wearing my traditional Ukrainian dress and talking with residents about my family’s culture, and learning more about theirs,” Warawa said.

“Canadians have every reason to be proud of their communities and to celebrate their collective sense of belonging to a unique place in this country. Our government wants to encourage the stories and the celebrations. We want future generations to be aware of their origins and Canada’s rich and diverse heritage.”

The money comes from the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program, which the Conservative government unveiled in 2007 to provide Canadians with more opportunities to take part in local activities that present arts and culture and celebrate local history and heritage.

The program will help to fund many community events and celebrations throughout Canada this year.