By Stacey MarpleHaida Gwaii ObserverNorthern Development has launched a new funding program that will benefit festivals and events throughout Northern B.C. The Fabulous Festivals and Events program provides non-profit organizations with up to $2,500 in grant funding annually to help expand the region's many unique music, arts and athletic events. It's the first time the Trust has launched a program that directly supports arts and culture in the region.Events such as Ashcroft Rodeo, Coldsnap, ArtsWells, Quesnel SkyFest and Burns Lake's Big Pig Mountain Bike Festival, Grizfest in Tumbler Ridge and, of course, the Edge of the World Music Festival in Tlell would all be eligible for funding.EOTW director Janet Rigg was pleased to hear the news of the Fabulous Festival and Events program coming to life. "EOTW will access those funds. In fact, we provided NDIT with festival information so that they could lobby for the fund in the first place. We'll use it to get a great act. We're going for a First Nations mega show. We want Tribe called Red and Buffy Saint Marie, but nothing is even close to being confirmed yet."NDIT expects that between $250,000 and $500,000 will be invested annually in festivals and events throughout Northern B.C. in 2016. The program will provide a reliable source of funding for home-grown festivals and events that are often challenged to secure funding each year and is designed to support festivals and events that promote or strengthen the unique character of the community. The funding will support the growth of festivals and events throughout the region, which directly supports the local economy and showcases all that Northern B.C. has to offer.