2006-06-19
Author: Mike McLean

Alberta has given the province's 385 agriculture societies five (m) million dollars in grants.

The societies stage rodeos, fairs and exhibitions across the province this summer, drawing city and country residents alike to experience a taste of rural life.

Core grants are 17 thousand 5 hundred dollars with some societies having a chance to share in an additional 3.7 million dollars.

Agriculture Minister Doug Horner says the groups are the heart and soul of many rural communities.