Check Presentation to the Butte National Folk Festival – Commerce Director Anthony J. Preite to Kickoff Festivities with Check Presentation to the Butte National Folk Festival on July 9

(HELENA) ñ As Butte finalizes preparations for its second year of hosting the National Folk Festival June 10-12 http://www.nationalfolkfestival.com/2009/ , Montana Department of Commerce http://commerce.mt.gov/ Director Anthony J. Preite will be at the Vigilante Rodeo Grounds Thursday, July 9 at 6:00 p.m. to present $350,000 in funding to festival officials.

The funds include $200,000 appropriated by the 2009 Legislature in HB644 during the 2009 Legislative Session and $150,000 from the Montana Department of Commerce’s Office of Tourism.

"Butte proved to be the ideal host for the National Folk Festival in 2008, and there is no question that they will put on another impressive show this weekend during the 71st Annual Folk Festival" said Governor Brian Schweitzer. "We are pleased to be able to provide support for such an outstanding opportunity to showcase Butte, as well as Montana’s rich heritage and kind people to our vast array of visitors."

The National Folk Festival is an annual event that has been showcasing the country’s finest traditions since 1934. Butte was chosen to host the festival in July of 2008, 2009 and 2010.

Butte is the first western host city since the festival was held in Denver, Colorado in the 1960s.

WHO: Director of the Montana Department of Commerce Anthony J. Preite

WHAT: Present $200,000 check from 2009 Legislature-HB644
Present $150,000 check from the Montana Office of Tourism – Department of Commerce

WHEN: Thursday, July 9 @ 6:00 PM

WHERE: Butte Vigilante Rodeo Grounds at the V.I.P. Party for the National Folk Festival, off Old Hwy. 2 & Albany

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Gail Gallik

Montana Department of Commerce

(406) 841-2704