The Honourable Heather Klimchuk, Minister of Culture, made the organizers of Dinofest’s day on Wednesday, delivering a $25,000 boost in advance of this year’s event.
On April 17, Minister Klimchuk was on a whirlwind tour through the valley and along the way, she presented the Drumheller Festival Society with a cheque for $25,000, a grant from the Community Initiative Program.
“The Community Initiative Program is wonderful because it helps groups go that little extra mile,” said Klimchuk. “As Minister, it is so great to come in person and say thank-you and keep up the good work.”
The Community Initiative Program is a matching grant program utilizing lottery-generated funds.
The Honourable Heather Klimchuk, Minister of Culture presented the Drumheller Festival Committee with $25,000 for the Community Initiative Program. Pictured are (l-r) committee members Mike Dooley, Leanna Mohan, Ryan Semchuk, the Honourable Heather Klimchuk, Minister of Culture, and Brooke Christianson.
“Programs like this help build Alberta and make our province stand out,” sad Klimchuk.
Dinofest is going into its second year and organizers are looking to make it bigger and better. Some of the plans include high caliber musicians, a larger partnership with local business and vendors, and rather than trying to take visitors from the site to the Tyrrell, the museum is bringing some of its programming to the site.
The festival is an event enjoyed by locals but also is a tool to draw visitors to the valley. While last year, its marketing focus was geared towards visitation from Edmonton, this year they are looking at attracting day-tripper traffic from Calgary and surrounding areas.
The event employs 50 volunteers and this year they are looking at having in the area of 75 coming to help out.
The committee is also looking beyond Dinofest as it builds towards the future.
“We formed the Drumheller Festival Society for Dinofest, but our overarching goal is to be a go-to committee for other people in town, maybe start a data base for tents and equipment or help with grant applications,” said Leanna Mohan, member of the committee.
“We believe Drumheller has more potential for cultural development.”
Klimchuk praised the group for itsspirit of volunteerism and collaboration.
“When I travel around Alberta as Minister, all the volunteers are what makes our province … when I come here and meet a group like yours it is fantastic, and thank you for all your efforts,” said Klimchuk.
The next DinoFest meeting will be held Thursday, April 25 at 5 p.m. at the B.C.F. There is also a food vendor meeting scheduled for Friday, April 26, 2 p.m.