The L'Exposition agricole et le Festival acadien will receive a contribution of $30,000 from the Community Development Bureau towards the construction of a 15,000 square foot major events centre in Abrams Village.
The announcement was made today by Premier Pat Binns during the opening ceremonies of the L'Exposition agricole et le Festival acadien.
In making the announcement Premier Binns noted the rich history of festivals in the Evangeline region. "Festivals and exhibitions play a big part in the life of our Island communities by showcasing our accomplishments and traditions. For close to a century there has been a tradition of exhibitions and festivals honouring the contributions of the agricultural community and the Acadian culture in the Evangeline area. The exhibition is a focal point for community development activities in the area that is strongly supported by local residents. Their activities will be bolstered through the construction of this needed community infrastructure."
L'Exposition agricole et le Festival acadien has been at the forefront of the community development process in the Evangeline area for many years, hosting events which draw the community together such as L'Exposition agricole, an agricultural fair dating back to the turn of the century and Le Festival acadien, which celebrates the acadian culture.
Development Minister Don MacKinnon welcomed the announcement, pointing out the development opportunities the project will bring. "The agricultural and acadian communities are both a key part of our identity as Islanders. The addition of a major events centre will allow local groups to continue to honour those communities. By expanding the facilities in Abrams Village the community can promote their facility off-Island to host other festivals and events, making it an important tourist attraction in the Evangeline area. I'm pleased that the Community Development Bureau is supporting this project which will help increase economic activity in the Evangeline area."
The Community Development Bureau is an innovative new program aimed at better focusing government resources through community partnerships. The Bureau, a partnership of the Departments of Development, Health & Social Services, Education, and Technology & Environment, works with local community groups to identify areas where the social, economic, and cultural life of a community can be improved.