CENTENNIAL TO FEATURE LARGEST FIREWORKS DISPLAY IN PROVINCE'S HISTORY

Released on April 11, 2005

The land of living skies will take on new meaning on September 4th, 2005, when the province celebrates its official birthday. A fireworks display choreographed to music and narration will provide a memorable end to day-long celebrations in 15 centennial host communities.

"Using the night sky as our canvass, we will wrap up the party of a century by launching the most spectacular fireworks display this province has ever seen," Saskatchewan Centennial 2005 Chair and Moose Jaw North MLA Glenn Hagel said. "We are working with communities throughout the province to ensure that as many people as possible have opportunity to share in celebrations that will be talked about well into our second century. When people walk away from the awe-inspiring September 4th celebrations, it is my hope that they will be proud to say they are from Saskatchewan!"

About 150 pyrotechnicians will fan out across the province to assist in staging the 30-minute display, which will require a total of 21 kilometres of cable provincewide. Combined, the 15 shows will produce 500,000 watts of sound and use over 100,000 fireworks effects.

"We are honoured to be working with Saskatchewan Centennial 2005 to bring an incredible celebration of fire and light to people throughout the province," Owner of Ruggieri Fireworks and Special Effects Chico Ruggieri said. "The Regina-based company was awarded the fireworks contract following a public tender. We promise to put on a show that, for many, will be a once in a lifetime event."

Almost all residents in the province will be within two hours driving distance of a pyromusic fireworks display, which will be launched simultaneously in Saskatchewan's 13 cities and two northern communities of Meadow Lake and La Ronge. Saskatchewan Centennial 2005 will cover the approximate cost of $840,000 for the provincewide fireworks display.

Up to $624,000 will also be provided to the 15 host communities to help them stage centennial day celebrations. Most communities are holding family events that will be low-cost or no-cost, including old-fashioned picnics, outdoor games, art displays, musical performances and multicultural festivals.

"We are committed to working with organizations throughout the province to ensure that the centennial is meaningful to the people of Saskatchewan and our visitors," Hagel said. "We have a good mix of events that will provide opportunity for many people to share in celebrations throughout 2005 and to show the world why it could use a little more Saskatchewan."

Among the projects announced by Saskatchewan Centennial 2005 is a theatre tour that will visit about 45 communities, a concert tour for youth that will travel to up to 10 communities and the Theresa Sokyrka Centennial Road Trip which will see the centennial youth ambassador visit up to 20 schools provincewide. Organizers of the more than 2,005 events registered on the centennial website may also receive complimentary promotional items, including banner roll, posters, placemats, balloons, event folders and temporary tattoos. Municipalities planning homecoming events are eligible to apply for a grant to assist them in promoting their event to visitors outside of their community.

Additional information on Saskatchewan Centennial 2005 is available online at www.sask2005.ca.

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For More Information, Contact:

Chris Shauf Saskatchewan Centennial 2005 Regina Phone: (306) 787-1254 Cell: (306)530-5775