Government of Canada Supports 100th Anniversary of Biggar, Saskatchewan

BIGGAR, SASKATCHEWAN--(Marketwire - March 17, 2011) - Citizens of the Town of Biggar will be able to celebrate their community's 100^th anniversary, thanks to an investment from the Government of Canada. Funding was announced today by the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, accompanied by Kelly Block, Member of Parliament (Saskatoon–Rosetown–Biggar).

"The Government of Canada is proud to support local community celebrations," said Minister Moore. "Our Government will continue to support major milestones that are an important part of Canada's history. These historic celebrations strengthen local pride and contribute to the economic strength of our communities."

With this funding, the Biggar 100^th Birthday Committee will present "100 Years of Growing Biggar" from July 1 to 3, 2011. Communities from coast to coast to coast will be commemorating significant anniversaries in the coming years, including the Queen's Diamond Jubilee in 2012, the 200^th anniversary of the birth of Sir John A. MacDonald in 2015, and of course Canada's 150^th birthday in 2017. These events, rooted in our shared history, strengthen our identity and values as Canadians.

"The Committee has planned exciting activities to commemorate the 100^th anniversary of Biggar," said Mrs. Block. "Congratulations to all of those who have worked so hard to mark this significant event in our history."

"We appreciate the funding that we are receiving from the Government of Canada," said Penny McCallum, Co-Chair of the Biggar 100^th Birthday Committee. "This will help our committee host a weekend event and create a commemorative park that celebrates and promotes Biggar and the surrounding area, while showcasing our community and all it has to offer."

The Government of Canada has provided funding of $21,900 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.

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