Bridgewater, NS – Gerald Keddy, Member of Parliament for South Shore – St. Margaret’s, today announced federal funding of $2,400 on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, for the Forties Community Centre to host “Oktoberfest.”

“Our Government is proud to support the Forties Community Centre and its annual fall event, Oktoberfest,” said Mr. Keddy. “By partnering with community groups to support activities that celebrate our shared history we are fulfilling our government’s commitment to strengthen our communities and support arts, culture and heritage.”

In September 2007, the Government of Canada announced the new Building Communities through Arts and Heritage (BCAH) program to provide Canadians with more opportunities to take part in local activities that present arts and culture and celebrate local history and heritage.

“I would like to take this time to thank the Board of Directors and the volunteers of the Forties Community Centre for their hard work in helping to promote and celebrate our German heritage here on the South Shore,” said Mr. Keddy.

Oktoberfest is an annual event held at the Forties Community Centre in the community of New Ross. Oktoberfest takes place from October 10-30, 2011. This festival celebrates the community’s rural and German heritage with activities such as demonstrations by local artisans of the traditional way of making sauerkraut and headcheese and performances by local musicians.