PROVINCE READY TO SING SASKATCHEWAN'S CENTENNIAL SONG

Released on January 27, 2005

A bright melody, inspiring words and an upbeat chorus are just three of the many reasons why Saskatchewan, We Love this Place! has been named Saskatchewan's official centennial song.

The song, written by Stan Garchinski of Saskatoon, is sure to get hands clapping and feet tapping with a veteran performer and Saskatchewan favourite Brad Johner singing vocals.

"Our centennial song captures the essence of Saskatchewan," Premier Lorne Calvert said. "The lyrics speak to our province's strengths – our land, our people, our spirit, and the song will be heard throughout our year-long, province wide celebration."

Song judges Colin James, Victor Sawa and Andrea Menard, all from varied musical backgrounds, selected the winning song from 250 entries from every corner of the province. A selection of songs submitted to the competition will be published in a free commemorative songbook available by spring.

"We thank everyone who submitted an entry. Our province is filled with talented songwriters of all ages that took up our challenge to find a song that will get the province singing," Centennial Chair and Moose Jaw North MLA Glenn Hagel said. "This song is not owned by a single person, it's owned by our entire province."

To hear the song, visit the Saskatchewan Centennial 2005 website at www.sask2005.ca/song. In addition to the song, sheet music for choir and instrument arrangements with solo and group versions are all available to interested performers to add their own style to it.

"This is such a great time to be in Saskatchewan," Johner said. "I'm thrilled to be a part of our province's centennial celebrations and honoured to help get Saskatchewan singing the many praises of our province."

Musical versions available online include the official arrangement by Brad Johner, a group version by Saskatchewan Express and an instrumental version with and without back-up vocals.

"When writing the song, I could hear many different voices singing it," Garchinski said. "Saskatchewan musicians will all have a slightly different way to perform the song and it will be great to hear them all."

The song was recorded in CBC Saskatchewan's recording studio in Regina. Provincial musical touring troupe Saskatchewan Express administered the contest sponsored by SaskEnergy.

"I am confident the people of Saskatchewan will take this song to their hearts," Saskatchewan Express Artistic Director Carol Gay Bell said. "There are many ways to share Saskatchewan's message with the rest of Canada and the world, and this song will help do just that."

"We couldn't imagine a centennial year without providing Saskatchewan an opportunity to celebrate through song," SaskEnergy's Community Relations Manager Leslie Gosselin said. "It's our hope this song will become an important part of this year's festivities, and will live on in the hearts of our province's residents as a lasting memory of this special year."

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