July 25, 1997
(Tourism, Culture and Recreation)

Matthew passes mid-point of Cabot 500 tour

With the Matthew's arrival at Stephenville July 20, the 15-century style caravel is well passed the mid-point of her 17-port tour of Newfoundland and Labrador.

"We knew there would be great interest in the Matthew, but to date public participation in the Matthew visit has actually surpassed our expectations," says Tourism, Culture and Recreation Minister Sandra Kelly.

Kelly notes that there are many Cabot 500 events outside the Matthew visit, such as the ongoing Year of the Arts 1997 and over 70 Come Home Year functions.

"Not including figures for Stephenville visitation, a total of 57,000 people have toured the Matthew since she arrived at Bonavista June 24," Kelly says." Furthermore, dockside estimates for the first eight ports of call indicate over 350,000 person visits to the dock sites."

Kelly acknowledges there are a lot of repeat visitors to the Matthew site, not only for the vessel, but for the shore displays and entertainment.

"Over 45,000 people have seen performances by the Irish Descendants on the tour, along with presentations by Rising Tide Theatre," the minister said. She added that while there have been some weather- related delays, the fireworks displays have also gone ahead at all ports of call to date.

"After Stephenville, there are still seven opportunities to see the Matthew, including the farewell to the vessel from Trinity on August 9," Kelly said.

The Matthew arrived in Corner Brook on July 23, and will depart tomorrow, July 26 at 12 noon. From Corner Brook the Matthew sails on to Red Bay on Monday July 28 at 10 a.m., and is then scheduled to arrive at St. Anthony on Tuesday, July 29 at 4 p.m.

After visits to La Scie, Botwood, and Twillingate, the Matthew arrives at Trinity on August 8, at 12 noon, and has her final departure of the tour from Trinity at 10 p.m. on August 9.

Contact: Doug Burgess, Manager of Communications, Cabot 500 Anniversary Celebrations, (709) 729-4247.