(PETERBOROUGH, ON) On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, Dean Del Mastro, Member of Parliament for Peterborough, today announced $27,265.00 in funding to the Peterborough Little Lake Musicfest for Celebrate Canada festivities in Peterborough on July 1, 2011.

Celebrate Canada allows Canadians to appreciate Canada’s diversity while honouring people, places, symbols, anniversaries, and the outstanding achievements of their fellow citizens. This is an opportunity for them to express their pride in being Canadian and their sense of belonging to their country.

“Celebrate Canada festivities, which run from June 21 to July 1, have become a wonderful tradition in our country,” said MP Del Mastro.  “Over the course of 11 days, celebrations such as the Little Lake Musicfest give all Canadians a special opportunity to reaffirm their pride in their community and in our
country.  As we prepare to celebrate on July 1st here in Peterborough, take some time to reflect on how fortunate we are to have such a rich heritage, which enables us to look to the future with confidence and enthusiasm.  I applaud the dedication of the Little Lake Musicfest as they include July 1st in their regular season – it is sure to be a great show.”

“The Little Lake Musicfest is grateful to Canadian Heritage and the Celebrate Canada Committee for their contribution to our 2011 Musicfest Celebrations.” stated Dave Paterson, Vice Chair of the Board and Sponsorship Chair.  “Canada Day at the Musicfest this year is sure to be impressive. This funding will help supplement the Canada Day Celebrations and make it an evening you definitely won't want to miss!"

For the 11 days of the Celebrate Canada festivities, groups are organizing activities throughout the country. National Aboriginal Day on June 21 kicks off the celebrations, which continue with Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day on June 24 and Canadian Multiculturalism Day on June 27. The festivities culminate with Canada Day on July 1st.

The Government of Canada has provided this funding under the Celebrate Canada component of the Celebrations and Commemorations Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program seeks to foster pride in being Canadian by encouraging people to participate in activities taking place from June 21 to July 1.