December 30, 1999
(Tourism, Culture and Recreation)

Communities around the province lighting up to celebrate the Year 2000

Charles Furey, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, said today he is pleased that 150 municipalities from every region of the province have developed a First Light Celebration. The First Light Celebration is a program of the Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation. The idea is to create a light source at midnight and, if possible, maintain the light until the first rays of dawn illuminate the early morning skies of January 1.

Some of the ideas include creating huge illuminated signs bringing best wishes, decorating all the houses and buildings in the community, using 2000 light bulbs to create a design, and creating hill-top beacons and lighthouses. There are plans to have simple flashlight parades in some towns, while others will have more elaborate fireworks and lighting displays.

"The idea behind the program is to bring people together to participate and join hundreds of other Newfoundland and Labrador communities in this celebration of light," said Mr. Furey. "We are delighted that so many communities have chosen to take part and share in the spirit."

A grant of $300 was available to the municipalities that register their events with Special Celebrations. A Vikings! 1000 Years flag and banner was provided to every participating community. Municipalities were also encouraged to view the Debut 2000 event, via television, from the St. John's harbourfront and enjoy the tremendous entertainment of the Countdown Concert and the other special events planned.

Some of the celebrations planned are as follows:

The Town of New-Wes-Valley Contact: Judy Stagg (709) 536-3220

The celebrations will take place at The Barbour Living Heritage Village. The town has twinned with the town of Coburg, Ontario for these millennium celebrations. Performers from Newfoundland and Labrador will travel to Coburg to participate in their show while Coburg will send entertainers to New-Wes-Valley as well. Both towns are working on Internet hook-ups. Teenagers in New-Wes- Valley will submit items for a time capsule to be reopened on December 31, 2049. In addition, there will be a dinner and dance, a fireworks show and on January 1 a community breakfast and flag raising ceremony.

The Town of St. Lewis Contact: Diane Poole (709) 939-2282

This Labrador community has developed a theme for their event - Treasure the past, to prepare for the future. The light source will be a Memory Tree with one light for each person to be remembered. The tree will be lit by the oldest and youngest people in the town. Beginning with a community pot luck supper and an entertainment segment, residents will celebrate the new millennium with a week of activities.

The Town of Port Union Contact: John Blackmore (709) 469-2883

Port Union is the site of the Fishermen's Parliament of the Fishermens Protective Union. Organizers are constructing a beacon (made of rock and mortar) on the site. Plaques at the base will erected in memory of relatives and friends.

The Town of Northern Arm Contact: Ella Humphries (709) 257-3482

A torch light parade will begin at both ends of the town and meet in the centre at the community church. There will then be a tree lighting ceremony outside the church.

The Town of Springdale Contact: Todd Mercer (709) 673-3439

Referring to their town as Town of Lights, organizers plan to have the entire town illuminated for December 31. Every house and building will be decorated with lights. Plans call for a parade through town to the local church and a church service followed by food and entertainment to ring in the millennium.

The Town of Gillams Contact: Lois Blanchard (709) 783-2800

Organizers are creating a Viking Beacon - an illuminated Viking ship placed on the hill overlooking the town. Their millennium celebrations will highlight the province's Vikings! 1000 Years celebrations.

The Town of Bay Roberts Contact: Ron Delaney (709) 786-2126

As a part of its annual Festival of Lights program the town has developed a huge New Year's Eve Celebration, which will be one of the largest celebrations outside of St. John's. The festival is a 37 day celebration beginning on December 1 and ending on January 6. The millennium celebrations planned for December 31 include fireworks, contests, prizes, and concerts all taking place on the Bay Roberts waterfront.

The City of Corner Brook Contact: Glenda Tulk (709) 634-1999

The Canada Games Centre will be the site of the millennium festivities in this west coast city. A five-course meal, a Broadway Show, and a Countdown Show directed by Edmund MacLean, artistic director of The Stephenville Festival are part of the event.

The Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay Contact: Ken Anthony (709) 896-8542

This Labrador town will have an alcohol-free, family night celebration with toboggan rides, a snowmobile parade, dog-team races, and other activities for children and adults. Fireworks will be the highlight of the evening.

Media contact:

Tara Laing, Communications
(709) 729-3813 or 685-8102
1999 12 30 1:20 p.m.