Harper Government Supports 100th Anniversary Celebrations in Clive

CLIVE, AB, April 2, 2012 /CNW/ - Residents of the Village of Clive will be able to celebrate their community's centennial and commemorate its history, thanks to support from the Government of Canada. This was announced today by Blaine Calkins, Member of Parliament (Wetaskiwin), on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.

With this funding, the Clive Centennial and District Homecoming Committee will organize a four-day anniversary celebration from August 3 to 6, 2012. Commemoration activities will feature the work of more than 90 local artists and include theatrical performances, art displays and demonstrations, and storytelling. In addition, two murals will be created by youth in Clive depicting the history of the village. The murals will be permanently showcased at the Clive School.

"Our Government received a strong mandate from Canadians to invest in Alberta's economic future," said Minister Moore. "By supporting these anniversaries, our Government is delivering on its commitment to strengthen our economy and support our arts, culture, and heritage."

"We are pleased to invest in these kinds of celebrations that strengthen our communities," said Mr. Calkins. "Congratulations to the Clive Centennial and District Homecoming Committee and the many volunteers for their hard work in preparation of this significant milestone."

"Thanks to the Government of Canada for their support. This funding will allow our small volunteer committee to put on an amazing weekend event that will showcase our unique history and local talent," said Lori Oatway, Chair of the Clive Centennial and District Homecoming Committee. "It will also give the youth in our community a chance to see and participate in a once-in-a-lifetime event that celebrates the rich culture of our past."

The Clive Centennial and District Homecoming Committee is a local, unincorporated, non-profit group whose members have come together from various local community groups to organize and coordinate the Village of Clive's centennial celebrations.

The Government of Canada has provided funding of $16,800 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.

For further information:

(media only), please contact:

Sébastien Gariépy
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of
Canadian Heritage and
Official Languages
819-997-7788

Perry Boldt
Regional Manager
Communications
Western Region
Canadian Heritage
604-666-5739

Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
[e-mail]

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