SASKATCHEWAN'S CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION BEGINS

Released on January 1, 2005

Day one of the year-long centennial celebration kicked off in communities across the province as Saskatchewan people gathered to welcome the start of a milestone year that has been a century in the making.

Saskatchewan residents and visitors gathered with family, friends and neighbours to raise the centennial flag and participate in activities in 15 regional events across the province. At noon, the jubilant sound of bells filled hundreds of communities from Abbey to Zenon Park.

In Regina, provincial leaders including Lieutenant Governor Lynda Haverstock, Premier Lorne Calvert and Centennial Chair Glenn Hagel announced more special plans for Saskatchewan to celebrate in 2005, including naming Canadian Idol runner-up Theresa Sokyrka as the Saskatchewan Centennial 2005 Youth Ambassador.

"Our province's centennial is a chance to show the world how it could use a little more Saskatchewan," Calvert said. "Theresa, who has shown the nation the calibre of our talent and our heart, is a great example to our youth and will share her spirit with the province she's proud to call home."

Other special commemorations were announced including special medallions for Saskatchewan's centenarians, residents who are 100 years old or who will mark their 100th birthday in the coming year. Saskatchewan babies born on January 1st, or September 4th, 2005, the date Saskatchewan will observe its official centennial anniversary, will receive medallions plus a special-edition, $100-Saskatchewan Savings Bond.

"Our provincial centennial year is a special time," Centennial Chair and Moose Jaw North MLA Glenn Hagel said. "The province-wide celebrations are about our people – past, present and future. These special awards will honour those who have been a part of Saskatchewan's first 100 years of heart and those who will see that tradition carried forth into our second century."

At the centre of the centennial celebrations are the many vibrant communities across Saskatchewan. With over 1,000 events registered on the Saskatchewan Centennial 2005 website, there are many chances for residents to join together and show their provincial pride. Complimentary promotional products including balloons, temporary tattoos, folders, posters, placemats and banners are now available to help centennial planners decorate and share the centennial spirit.

Hagel also noted that on September 4th, 2005, residents and visitors will join together in 15 regional events to participate in the province-wide celebration of Saskatchewan's centennial anniversary.

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