SASKATCHEWAN'S CENTENNIAL CELEBRATIONS LEAVE LASTING IMPRESSIONS

Released on December 29, 2005

Saskatchewan's centennial chair is thanking residents for creating a renewed sense of provincial pride that will carry forward into our second century as a province.

"It was my hope that during 2005 the people of Saskatchewan would have an opportunity to share in the many centennial celebrations and speak out, loud and proud, about this great province we call home," Saskatchewan Centennial 2005 Chair and Moose Jaw North MLA Glenn Hagel said. "My dream has come true, about a million times over, thanks to the people with 100 years of heart."

From the moment people gathered in dozens of communities to ring in the centennial year on January 1st, 2005, it became clear that people were ready to show that they love this place, Saskatchewan. More than 4,000 events were organized, led by individuals, community groups and volunteers in every part of the province. Towns and villages doubled and tripled in size as family, friends and visitors were welcomed to centennial celebrations in more than 340 towns and villages. Over 400 homecomings and reunions were held.

Signature events, including the Saskatchewan Centennial Canoe Quest, the Lieutenant Governor's Centennial Gala, the 2005 Jeux du Canada Games and Celebrate Saskatchewan on Ice were a showcase for our rich culture and talented athletes. On September 4th, our official birthday, close to half a million people attended low-cost, or no-cost, activities in 15 central communities, including the fireworks display of a century.

"Our centennial was a celebration of Saskatchewan people, led by the people of Saskatchewan," Hagel said. "I commend the hundreds of volunteers who helped create special memories for the many thousands of people who took part in centennial activities and showed the world that nobody throws a party like Saskatchewan!"

Saskatchewan pride was on display in offices, stores and businesses throughout the province. More than 2,000 businesses registered for a program designed specifically for businesses to become involved in the centennial. More than 250 classrooms registered for the opportunity to meet their idol, Saskatchewan Centennial 2005 Youth Ambassador Theresa Sokyrka, who visited with students in 20 schools around the province during the centennial year.

From students planting centennial trees and peace poles, to original artwork, theatre and song, the centennial also created legacies that will provide a lasting reminder to future generations about Saskatchewan's first 100 years as a province.

The official centennial website was the welcome mat to the centennial year. There were more than 750,000 visits to the site, as people checked out the events being planned, or submitted their favourite Saskatchewan story, photo, recipe or memory.

"There is little doubt that our centennial has not only provided an opportunity to showcase our province, it has produced an overwhelming amount of provincial pride that will bode well for the future," Hagel said. "The challenge in our second century is to keep that centennial spirit alive and continue to show the world why it could use a little more Saskatchewan."

More information about Saskatchewan Centennial 2005 is available online at www.sask2005.ca.

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For More Information, Contact:

Cathy-Ann Molnar Saskatchewan Centennial 2005 Regina Phone: (306)787-0869 Cell: (306)530-6273

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