Government of Canada Invests in the Dandelion Festival

March 10, 2009

Kemptville – On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, Gord Brown, Member of Parliament (Leeds–Grenville), today announced funding for North Grenville’s annual Dandelion Festival.

This two-day arts and cultural celebration in Old Town Kemptville, which begins on May 29, will feature the works of local musicians, artisans, and craftspeople, as well as historical walks, live theatre, and music performed by local artists. Much like the dandelion, after which the festival is named, celebrations will pop up all over the town.

“Our Government is proud to support the 11th annual Dandelion Festival,” said Minister Moore. “This event is a celebration of the diversity of talent in the area, and by being a ‘green’ festival, it conserves the local surroundings while residents and tourists alike enjoy them.”

“I am pleased that our Government is assisting this special event in Kemptville,” said Mr. Brown. “The organizers and volunteers have worked hard to make the Dandelion Festival a unique attraction in North Grenville.”

“We are thrilled to again receive this support from the Government of Canada, which will allow us to expand the North Grenville Dandelion Festival, now in its 11th year,” said Jeff Poapst, Treasurer and Vice-Chair of the Festival’s Board of Directors. “This funding will allow us to build on last year’s successes including VegStock, two days of performance by local musicians and entertainment.”

The Government of Canada has provided funding of $11,600 through the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program provides Canadians with more opportunities to take part in activities that present local arts and culture and celebrate local history and heritage.