It’s music to the ears of the organizers of the Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Festival – a $45,000 contribution from the provincial government to help stage this year’s event.

The minister responsible, Andrea Barbour, made the announcement yesterday. She says such events make our province unique.

Jean Hewson, the interim chair of the festival, says the grant makes it official – there will be a folk festival in Bannerman Park on Saturday, August 8.

The event has gone through a transformation in this, its 50th year or, as organizers like to say, 49 1/2. A larger musical showcase will come next year to mark the 50th.

“We’ve raised enough money to mostly pay off the debt, and now government has come on board to support the event. We all feel really good about it,” says Hewson.