Moncton is one of 19 major cities across Canada to get federal funding for the launch of Canada’s 150th anniversary celebrations.
Moncton-Riverview-Dieppe MP Ginette Petitpas-Taylor was on hand to announce $100,000 on behalf of the Department of Canadian Heritage.
Local MP Ginette Petitpas-Taylor announcing $100,000 of federal funding for Canada’s 150th anniversary events in #Moncton #Monctonnews #nb pic.twitter.com/kvdMY42DyI
— 91.9The Bend News (@919TheBendNews) November 25, 2016
She says in most provinces and territories, the capital is hosting the Canada 150 kick off events, but in New Brunswick Moncton was also selected.
“With our cultural diversity, we have a wonderful and vibrant community when it comes to our linguistic culture, our French, our English, our Acadian,” says Petitpas-Taylor. “And also we’re here to promote our aboriginal heritage as well so I think all that together really made Moncton a perfect fit to host the celebrations.”
Petitpas-Taylor says she spoke with the Minister last August when she was visiting Moncton.
“She was really impressed with our community, the arts and culture, and the vibe of Moncton, so that’s when we put the bug in her ear and thought that it’d be wonderful if Moncton was chosen as a site and also we wanted to make sure the Atlantic Provinces were highlighted in the Canada 150 projects,” says Petitpas-Taylor.
The “Festival of Festivals” begins at noon on December 31st at Riverfront Park with family friendly activities organized by event partners Festival Inspire and the Mosaiq Multicultural Festival.
“Festival of Festivals” to take place in #Moncton on December 31st starting at Riverfront Park at 12 #MonctonNews #NBNews #nb pic.twitter.com/8Ll587BSvZ
— 91.9The Bend News (@919TheBendNews) November 25, 2016
During the afternoon, interactive stations and games will be set-up in order to celebrate local First Nations, as well as our community’s increasingly diverse population.
Then, a special concert will begin at 5pm to celebrate Canadian music, featuring:
- local favourites Izzy and the Prohibition;
- long-time Acadian artist Joseph Edgar, presented by the Festival Acadie Rock; and
- newcomer Francesco Yates headlining the evening.
Once the applause has quieted and Francesco Yates has left the stage, the crowd’s attention will be directed to the riverfront, where the Kick-Off to Canada’s 150th Fireworks will begin.
In addition, community partners Resurgo Place (20 Mountain Rd.) and the Capitol Theatre (811 Main St.) will present special activities during the day.
At Riverfront Park, food vendors will be open starting at noon, and attendees can visit warming stations on-site to beat the winter chill. As well, in the spirit of inclusiveness, the City of Moncton is collaborating with MAGMA (Multicultural Association of the Greater Moncton Area) to offer a ‘Welcome Tent’ with volunteer interpreters, to ensure that our newest neighbours who speak languages other than English or French can obtain information on the event programming.
Detailed information will be released in the weeks leading up to December 31st; residents and visitors are encouraged to visit moncton.ca/Canada150 or ‘Like’ the City of Moncton’s Facebook page for the latest news.
