Celebrating Arts and Culture at Winterfesthiver 2015

Government of Canada supports Winterfest NB

January 9, 2015 – Fredericton – Department of Canadian Heritage

Residents and visitors in Fredericton are invited to put on their mitts and toque and join the fun at Winterfesthiver. The festival will bring participants out of hibernation for four days with activities for the whole family in a snowy winter wonderland.

The Honourable Keith Ashfield, Member of Parliament (Fredericton), today announced funding of $42,500 for Winterfest NB under Canadian Heritage’s Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program. He made this announcement on behalf of the Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.

With this funding, Winterfest NB will host the 13^th edition of Winterfesthiver in Fredericton from February 7 to 15, 2015. The activities for people of all ages include various musical and dance performances featuring local artists, snow sculpting demonstrations, pottery workshops, a storyteller’s circle and a First Nations’ presentation on traditional crafts, dancing and drumming. Close to 150 local artists and more than 50 presenters of local heritage will be on site during the four-day winter festival.

Quick Facts

• Winterfesthiver was inspired by a family’s visit to Winterlude in the National Capital Region in the mid-1990s.
• The vision of Winterfesthiver is to capture the spirit of the community in the beautiful winter landscape of the Provincial Capital Region.
• The expected attendance is 15,000. The organization is counting on the participation of 250 volunteers to make the festival happen.

Quotes

“Our Government knows that arts and culture occupy a special place in Canadians’ hearts. We also know that they are essential to the well-being of our communities and the strength of our local economy. We are proud to support Winterfesthiver, which provides Fredericton residents and visitors with access to arts and culture in their own backyard.”

—The Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages

“Thanks to the funding from our Government, Winterfesthiver will be able to offer rich and diverse cultural and artistic activities. Kids and adults will be able to enjoy great entertainment in a winter setting.”

—The Honourable Keith Ashfield, Member of Parliament (Fredericton)

“Winterfest NB is thrilled for the support received from the Department of Canadian Heritage to assist us in hosting the 13^th annual Winterfesthiver. This funding will enable our organization to continue growing a feast of arts, culture and heritage activities and good old-fashioned fun that brings together a host of community talent, organizations and volunteers to make Winterfesthiver the premiere celebration of winter in New Brunswick.”

—John Antworth, President, Winterfest NB

Associated Links

Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage

Winterfesthiver

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For more information (media only), please contact:

Marisa Monnin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages
819-997-7788

Gilles Thériault
Communications Manager
Atlantic Region
Canadian Heritage
506-851-3980

Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
media@pch.gc.ca

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