CENTENNIAL CELEBRATIONS CREATE LASTING MEMORIES AND BOOST PROVINCIAL PRIDE

Released on September 6, 2005

Saskatchewan's centennial celebrations were a huge success with more than half a million people participating in activities to welcome the province's second century.

"In Saskatchewan our people are our greatest strength and we celebrated that strength provincewide this past weekend," Premier Lorne Calvert said. "We now have an opportunity to plot the course of a new century, and I am confident Saskatchewan will continue to play a defining role in Canada throughout our second century."

Fifteen communities hosted regional centennial celebrations throughout the long weekend. From pancake breakfasts and interfaith services to old-fashioned games and multicultural displays. Friends, families and communities joined together to mark the start of Saskatchewan's second century.

September 4th, 2005 marked the official 100th birthday and the parties were spectacular. A provincial icon, the Canadian Snowbirds, flew over many of the community celebrations. At 9:39 in the evening, the entire province joined together under a Saskatchewan sky for the most impressive and largest fireworks display in the province's history. Broadcast on radio and the internet, the 15 host centres listened to the same soundtrack and watched a combined total of more than 100,000 fireworks effects light up the night sky.

"It has been my dream that people would be inspired to say out loud what is in their hearts about the province they call home and I've seen that happening throughout our centennial year," Saskatchewan Centennial 2005 Chair and Moose Jaw North MLA Glenn Hagel said. "Our celebrations have touched the very essence of our residents, who are proudly proclaiming that they love this place, Saskatchewan!"

With more than 3,500 events occurring in Saskatchewan during the centennial year, thousands of people have played a role in hosting events and helping out with centennial projects. "Thank you for showing your community and the many visitors who came to our province that nobody throws a party like Saskatchewan," Hagel said.

The provincewide celebration of Saskatchewan people and Saskatchewan heart will continue, with several more centennial initiatives to be announced before the end of the 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