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November 10, 1999
(Tourism, Culture and Recreation)


More details announced for Debut 2000 Countdown Concert on New Year's Eve

Charles Furey, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, says he is pleased to officially announce that the Oceanex property of the St. John's waterfront has been selected as the site of the Debut 2000 Countdown Concert on New Year's Eve. Minister Furey also announced Oceanex, Hotel Newfoundland and Marine Atlantic have signed on as corporate sponsors for the event. On hand for today's announcement were Oceanex Vice President of Operations John Majchrowicz; St. John's Mayor Andy Wells; Sgt. Bob Garland of the City of St. John's Special Events Committee; Debut 2000 Concert and television coverage producer Wayne Guzzwell; and Project Manager Rose Daley of Anchor Events.

"This is the best place in Eastern Canada where we can put on the type of show that we envision. New Year's Eve 1999 is not only a significant milestone around the world, but it is also an incredible opportunity to showcase our province as a tourism destination that is unlike anywhere else," Minister Furey said. "We are delighted that Oceanex, Hotel Newfoundland and Marine Atlantic have chosen to share this enthusiasm, and we look forward to working closely with them on this incredible project."

Minister Furey also commented significant local, national and international media interest has already been expressed with regards to North America's First Millennium Celebrations. Several national and international TV networks, including the CBC, CTV, the Life Network as well as the Millennium Network and ABC TV in the United States, have expressed interest or are planning to cover the event and/or take the live feed from the site.

"One estimate of the value of live news and broadcast coverage of this event, is in excess of $40 million," Minister Furey said. "This means it would cost the province $40 million dollars to go out and buy this type of advertising to promote Newfoundland and Labrador. This calculation is based on the expected allocation of network time from news agencies and networks which have indicated a commitment or interest in covering the New Year's Eve event. Since this estimate was compiled, additional levels of interest have been expressed."

St. John's Mayor Andy Wells said: "This is the biggest and best party ever to take place in our city, during what can only be described as a once in a lifetime opportunity. We're delighted to be playing such a big part."

John Majchrowicz, Oceanex Vice President of Operations, says his organization welcomes the opportunity to be part of a celebration that is important to all of the province. "For Oceanex to play such a big role in the Countdown Concert is a wonderful opportunity, and we encourage the city and the province to make the most of our facility."

"In terms of safety and security issues, this is the best possible site for this event," says Sgt. Bob Garland of the City of St. John's Special Events Committee. Rose Daley, Debut 2000 Project Manager, says she is thrilled that all of the pieces are coming together to make the event happen.

Wayne Guzzwell, Producer of the Countdown Concert and the live television coverage, led the media on a guided tour of the site. "There is capacity here to handle an audience of up to 100,000 with room to spare. We will present top entertainment and at midnight one of North America's best special effects artists will present a once in a lifetime pyrotechnical extravaganza. For maximum impact the pyrotechnical effects are best viewed from the Oceanex site. Thanks to our sponsors there will be no admission charge so we encourage one and all to attend the show from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.. If you cannot attend in person the event will be televised all across Canada."

The Countdown Concert at the Oceanex site features Great Big Sea, Kim Stockwood, the Ennis Sisters, Spirit of Newfoundland, the Mount Pearl Show Choir, award-winning band The Catch, with other groups to be announced shortly. There will be a spectacular and moving midnight millennium countdown number that includes almost 100 performers including step dancers, fiddlers, accordionists and singers, plus impressive visual effects and fireworks.

There is no admission charge to the Countdown Concert, and the general public (especially families) is encouraged to attend.

Debut 2000 is presented by Anchor Events in partnership with the Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, and with the support of the City of St. John's and Parks Canada.

Media contact:

George Earles
Public Relations/Communications
Special Celebrations Agency
(709)729-4825

Wayne Guzzwell
Producer - Debut 2000 Countdown Concert
(709) 753-4778

Rose Daley
Project Manager- Debut 2000
Anchor Events
(709) 753-4778

1999 11 10 9:15 a.m.


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