Kinsmen Cornwall Lift-Off is receiving nearly $24,000 in provincial government funding through the Celebrate Ontario program.

PHOTO CREDIT - Robert Lefebvre/www.icelevel.com

Cornwall - Mar. 7, 2011 - Two of the region's biggest festivals have received a boost in funding from the provincial government through the Celebrate Ontario program.

The St. Lawrence Parks Commission has received $75,000 for its Alight at Night Festival, while Kinsmen Cornwall Lift-Off is getting $23,933.

In announcing the funding, local MPP Jim Brownell said the financial support will help the festivals grow and attract more visitors, create new jobs and generate economic activity for the area.

Lift-Off Chair Rick Shaver said the funding will help to support the continued growth of the festival.

"It also allows us to attract more visitors to Cornwall and area," Shaver added.

The Celebrate Ontario program supports the province's Open Ontario Plan to strengthen the economy and create new opportunities for jobs and growth.