For immediate release
July 14, 2007

Dancing Feet Find a New Stage at Festival Thanks to $15,000 OTF Grant

Ingersoll – On Saturday, July 14, 2007 the Canterbury Folk Festival unveiled a new dance stage thanks to a $15,000 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF). Ernie Hardeman, MPP for Oxford, was joined by OTF volunteer, Brian George, at the annual celebration.

“The incredible growth of the Canterbury Folk Festival demonstrates its popularity with people in the community and across Ontario,” said Hardeman. “The new stage and dancing made possible by this grant will make the festival even better. I want to commend and thank the board and the many, many volunteers that make this event possible.”

In March 2007, the Canterbury Folk Festival received funding to purchase a portable dance stage and trail to haul equipment. The grant will enhance and support current activities as well as provide opportunities to expand programming by offering a proper dance stage to incorporate dancers into the festival and it will be available for rent to other organizations, offering additional revenue.

“The addition of a quality safe dance floor will add to the dynamics of our festival” said Chairperson of Canterbury Folk Festival, Ted Comiskey. “Dance will bring a new folk experience to our festival and because of the Ontario Trillium Foundation; it will not only enhance our festival, but also the community throughout the year.”

Since 1999, the Canterbury Folk Festival has developed a vibrant and respected community Folk Festival of music, dance arts and crafts for all community members. This year is the festival 8th year running, and it strives to enhance cultural awareness by introducing various Canadian, Aboriginal and Multicultural disciplines, particularly music. The festival is held annually in downtown Ingersoll, and this year the festivities are on July 13, 14 and 15, 2007. For more information, please visit website www.canterburyfolkfestival.on.ca.

The Ontario Trillium Foundation is an agency of the Government of Ontario. For 25 years, we have supported the growth and vitality of communities across the province. OTF continues to strengthen the capacity of the volunteer sector through investments in community-based initiatives. For more information, please visit www.trilliumfoundation.org.

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For more information contact:
Ted Comiskey
Chairperson of Canterbury Folk Festival
519.485.6337