Kootenay events are set to benefit as the BC Government invest $15 million in its BC Fairs, Festivals, and Events fund (BCFFE).
A media release from Kootenay NDP MLAs Katrine Conroy and Brittny Anderson stated that the funding ensures local fairs, festivals, and events can provide fun and excitement for residents and visitors alike.
“We are lucky to have a huge range of events every summer that make the Kootenays an exciting place for both residents and visitors to be. By supporting festivals like Kaslo Jazz Fest, we’re helping people to create lasting memories, creating jobs while also helping our tourism sector to thrive,” said Nelson-Creston MLA Brittny Anderson.
In the Kootenays, dozens of events are receiving funding, including:
- Between the Peaks Music Festival, Rossland – $19,700
- Hop to Vine Hustle, Creston – $2,000
- Kaslo Jazz Fest – $87,900
- Nelson International Mural Festival – $17,300
- Singletrack 6 mountain bike race, with stages in Castlegar, Nelson, Kaslo, New Denver, and Nakusp – $22,300
- Starbelly Jam Music Festival, Crawford Bay – $18,700
- Tiny Lights Festival, Ymir – $15,300
- The STOODIS Indigenous Film Festival, Nelson – $4,700
- Shambhala Music Festival, Salmo- $200,000
According to the BC government’s website, the funding helps community event organizations recover from ongoing challenges related to cost increases, reduced revenue and sponsorships, rising costs of equipment and services, and severe weather events.
The fund provides up to about 20% of a total event budget, up to a maximum of $250,000 per event, which can be used to cover a range of operational expenses.
A full list of this year’s BCFFE funding recipients can be found here.
Across B.C., the $15 million in funding will support 1114 fairs, festivals, and events in 2024 and 2025.
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