Government of Canada Invests in the Festival Beauceron de l'Erable

SAINT-GEORGES, QUEBEC--(Marketwire - Feb. 15, 2011) - Residents of the Beauce region will once again be able to celebrate winter at the Festival beauceron de l'érable, thanks to support from the Government of Canada. This was announced today by the Honourable Maxime Bernier, Member of Parliament (Beauce), on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.

The Festival beauceron de l'érable, which will take place this year from March 16 to 20, 2011, is a celebration of both food and the arts, with entertainment, musical performances, and cultural exhibitions showcasing the work of more than a hundred local craftspeople and artists. Attractions starring maple products will appeal to all members of the family.

"Our Government is proud to be associated with an event like this one, which allows the Beauce community to reconnect with their heritage and ancestral traditions while celebrating the importance of the maple," said Minister Moore.

"Thanks to the festival's various activities, members of the public can learn more about the value of this great resource, so important to our region," said Mr. Bernier. "All these efforts result from the cooperation between artists, craftspeople, and volunteers that makes the festival such a success each year."

The Beauce maple festival was created in 1990. Its main purpose is to promote the importance of the maple products industry to the general public. Within this context, the Festival beauceron de l'érable is able to showcase maple products to residents of the region and beyond, while also featuring the artistic, cultural, and heritage components of the annual event.

The Government of Canada has provided $21,000 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 the history and heritage of a region.

(This news release is also available on the Internet at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Newsroom.)