Festival of Flags to promote Argentia's diverse history

Approval has been given by both levels of government to the Festival of Flags today to recognize the 50-year American presence at Argentia. Through a series of visual displays, the festival will present the historic, cultural and social impact of the Argentia base on the area. Specifically, through visual elements at the Argentia Interpretation Centre, the role of the base as strategic headquarters for the Allied Defence of the North Atlantic and the North American continent in WW II will be displayed.

Today's announcement of $71,000 was made by Beaton Tulk, Minister of Development and Rural Renewal, under the Canada/Newfoundland Strategic Regional Diversification COOPERATION Agreement.

As well, the Festival of Flags will celebrate the local influences of the French, English, Irish, Spanish, Basque, and Portuguese. The festival is seen as the first stage of an anticipated development for the Backlands which comprises several thousand acres of property on the Argentia base.

"The Festival of Flags is an innovative undertaking that brings to life Newfoundland's long association with the American people," said Mr. Tulk. "I am pleased to see this long friendship between Newfoundlanders and Americans remembered in a way that will continue to help the people of Argentia. I believe the Festival of Flags will provide a significant boost for local tourism, and I hope that the participants will gain a sense of pride and contribution from their involvement in this festival."

The interpretive initiative will also focus on other significant events in Argentia's military history. The signing of the Atlantic Charter in 1941 in Placentia Bay near Ship Harbour and its significance as the birth place of the United Nations, the role of Argentia during the Cold War; and Argentia's role as a submarine tracking/surveillance centre will all be represented in the refurbished Visitor's Centre.

Tourism traffic in the region is high by provincial standards. The Cape St. Mary's Bird Sanctuary and Castle Hill National Historic Site each attracted over 20,000 visitors last year. The Marine Atlantic ferry system in 1996 carried 17,635 passengers and 5,766 passenger vehicles from North Sydney to Argentia. From Argentia to North Sydney the service carried 20,523 passengers and 7,110 passenger vehicles.

The Canada/Newfoundland Strategic Regional Diversification COOPERATION Agreement is administered federally by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and provincially by the Department of Development and Rural Renewal.

Contact: Paul Murphy, COOPERATION Communications, (709) 772-0219; or Clifford Grinling, Department of Development and Rural Renewal, (709) 729-7066.