July 15, 2016
Springfield Country Fair Earns Celebrate Manitoba Designation
– – –Community Set to Host 134th Annual Fair
The Springfield Country Fair has received special designation under the Celebrate Manitoba program honouring long-running community events, fairs and festivals, Sport, Culture and Heritage Minister Rochelle Squires announced today.
“Fairs and festivals are part of our heritage and nowhere is that more evident than in Springfield where they’ve been doing it right for 134 years,” Squires said. “As a community event, the fair helps promote agricultural awareness and celebrate all that’s great about rural life.”
The Springfield Country Fair was first held on Oct. 10, 1883, and has been going strong ever since, the minister said. At this year’s fair on July 16, organizers will receive a special commemorative plaque signed by Squires and Premier Brian Pallister.
The Celebrate Manitobaprogram was created to officially recognize cultural festivals that have showcased the province’s heritage for 50 years or longer. Designated festivals receive an official Celebrate Manitobacertificate after 50 years and a commemorative plaque after 100 years.
“We have many festivals that honour our rich cultural heritage, showcase our diversity and celebrate multiculturalism,” said Squires. “These festivals highlight the great depth and variety of artistic talents of Manitobans while supporting local economies and generating tourism by making this province a great place to visit.”
Eligible annual events are cultural, community or arts festivals that provide reasonable confirmation of long-running operation of more than 50 years, demonstrate significant community partnership and engagement, and demonstrate the respectful preservation and sharing of culture through their activities.
For more information or to nominate a festival, contact Manitoba Sport, Culture and Heritage at 204-945-3847 in Winnipeg or visit www.gov.mb.ca/chc/artsbranch.
- 30 -