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June 17, 1998
(Tourism, Culture and Recreation)


Soiree '99 an opportunity for major public input

Sandra Kelly, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, is encouraging municipalities, tourism associations, and community groups to get involved in the planning of the Soiree '99 celebrations. Soiree '99 is a year of events and activities that will celebrate our pride in our province and our country, and communities across the province are invited to get involved in the celebrations.

"The main objectives of Soiree '99, with its theme "Celebrating Canada our way,' are to commemorate and celebrate the 50th anniversary of Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada, and to demonstrate commitment to the ideals of Confederation and national unity," Minister Kelly said.

Several large anchor events are now in the planning stages and will provide a year long slate of activities and attractions that will interest our out-of-province visitors as well as residents. These anchor events will take place in all areas of the province and will allow all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians the opportunity to become involved. The roster of proposed anchor events include:

  • Provincial and national sporting events, including the Canada Winter Games

  • Festival 500: Sharing the Voices, an international choral festival to be held throughout Newfoundland and Labrador - a legacy of the Cabot 500 Celebrations

  • Gambo Smallwood Activities, an array of activities and events commemorating Confederation at the birthplace of Joseph R. Smallwood

  • Province wide activities including music, dance, film, writing and theatre.

A very large part of Soiree '99 is the many events and activities that will take place throughout all areas of Newfoundland and Labrador such as annual festivals, sporting events, meetings and conventions, concerts, folk festivals, and community Come Home Years.

"Some of these events are annual, some will be especially planned to celebrate 1999 - whatever the occasion, it is very important that we are aware of what is happening in every community in 1999," Minister Kelly said.

A complete Calendar of Events will be prepared for all Soiree '99 activities. This calendar will be widely distributed and will be the definitive guide for visitors and residents to all events during 1999.

To be included in this Calendar of Events, individuals or groups should contact the Soiree '99 office at (709) 729-1999, or by fax at (709) 579-2067. All information must be received by July 31, 1998 to be included. An information form is available from the Soiree '99 office.

While no direct financial support is available for individual events, the department is pleased to be able to provide the planning committee with support designed to enhance the event's profile. Depending on the scope of the event, the following assistance can be provided:

  • Inclusion in the Calendar of Events

  • Pageantry items, including flags, banners, etc.

  • Provision of resource material to help plan the event

  • Mailout assistance for Come Home Year activities

"Soiree '99 is drawing near and we want to hear from you. We are inviting all of Canada to join us for what promises to be a special year, and a great party," the minister added.

Contact:

Soiree '99 Office
P.O. Box 1997
Crosbie Building, 1 Crosbie Place
St. John's, NF
A1C 5R4

fax:       (709) 579-2067
ph:       (709) 729-1999
email:   tourism@nf.sympatico.ca

1998 06 17 12:10 p.m.


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