Ice Festival Showcases Local Culture - Government of Canada invests in Gimli Ice Festival

GIMLI, MB, Feb. 28, 2014 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada has provided $4,600 through the Building Communities through Arts and Heritage program to support the 3^rd Gimli Ice Festival, which will take place March 1 and 2.

James Bezan, Member of Parliament (Selkirk-Interlake), announced the funding today on behalf of Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages Shelly Glover.

With this support, the Festival will feature snow sculpting, a community mural, music performances, storytelling, Icelandic heritage presentations, short films and an art show.

Quick Facts

• The mission of the Gimli Ice Festival Committee is to engage the cultural, arts, sports, education and business sectors to stage a variety of activities that support the Festival and the community of Gimli.
• The Gimli Ice Festival's mascot is Cooley the Polar Bear.
• Over 2,000 people are expected to attend the 2014 Gimli Ice Festival.

Quotes
"The Gimli Ice Festival helps promote tourism in the Interlake and provides a boost to the local economy. I'm looking forward to participating in this year's Festival and experiencing local culture, heritage and sporting activities."
—James Bezan, Member of Parliament (Selkirk-Interlake)

"Festivals like this one create opportunities for people to gather and celebrate a community's cultural identity. I applaud all the volunteers and the organizers of this year's event: it is their hard work and dedication that make this unique lake-side winter festival a success."
—Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages

"We are truly honoured that the Government of Canada has provided financial support to the Gimli Ice Festival so that it can continue to fulfill its mission—a Celebration of Community, Culture and Heritage."
—Susan and Peter Holfeuer, Co-Chairs, Gimli Ice Festival

Associated Links
Building Communities through Arts and Heritage
Gimli Ice Festival

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SOURCE: Canadian Heritage

For further information:

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

Francine D. Lefebvre
Regional Communications Manager
Prairies and Northern Region
Canadian Heritage
Tel.: [phone]
Cell: 204-899-8611
[email protected] 

Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
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