SAINT-JULIEN, Quebec  - On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Natural Resources and Member of Parliament (Mégantic-L'Érable), today announced funding for the 3rd Festival des foins de Saint-Julien, which will take place from August 11 to 15, 2010.

This funding will allow residents of Saint-Julien to take part in the musical activities of the town's Festival des foins. Country and folk music are the focus of performances by 25 local artists. All activities take place under a festival tent in Saint-Julien. The festival is made possible by more than 20 volunteers.

"Our Government is pleased to support activities like the Festival des foins that help build prosperous and dynamic communities," said Minister Moore. "Though projects that depend largely on the work and dedication of volunteers and that enable local artists and artisans to express their talent and skill, we are fostering tourism, culture, and economic growth in the Saint-Julien region."

"Our Government is creating more opportunities for Canadians to take part in activities that celebrate local history, arts, and heritage," said Minister Paradis. "The Festival des foins de Saint-Julien is an attraction that we can all be proud of."

The Government of Canada has provided funding of $7,700 through the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program provides Canadians with more opportunities to take part in activities that present local arts and culture and celebrate local history and heritage.