Press release
For immediate distribution
L’International des Feux Loto-Québec presented by TELUS debuts Saturday at La Ronde!
Beijing Olympic Games fireworks producer to start the competition
Montréal, Wednesday, June 22, 2011 – On Saturday, the sky above Montreal will explode with a no-holds-barred pyrotechnical battle as L’International des Feux Loto-Québec presented by TELUS, in collaboration with the SAQ, showcases the first fireworks display of this year’s competition. On this occasion, China’s Panda Fireworks will pay tribute to an Eastern tradition that enjoys a glowing reputation in the West: Kung Fu. This is Panda Fireworks’ first visit to Montreal. The company is best known for its fireworks displays for the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2008 Summer Olympic Games at Beijing National Stadium, also known as the “Bird’s Nest”.
The soundtrack for this explosive martial arts display is inspired from such Kung Fu movies as Kung Fu Panda and Shaolin Soccer. Also featured are three giant dolls, each 3 metres in height, performing Kung Fu moves above the lac des Dauphins – and giving the show a stunning larger-than-life look and feel. A complete list of the show’s musical selections can be found at www.internationaldesfeuxlotoquebec.com.
Panda Fireworks was founded in 1989 and is also a leading manufacturer of pyrotechnical products. In fact, most of the pieces to be featured in the show on Saturday were made at its production plants. Some of its other achievements include a fireworks display on one of the world’s tallest skyscrapers, the Canton Tower (610 metres), as part of the 2010 Asian Games.
A popular jury and plenty of stars!
Following a selection process that was open to the public, nineteen fireworks enthusiasts were chosen to form this year’s jury. These individuals are charged with the enviable but important task of attending all of the fireworks presentations at La Ronde, evaluating the performances of each competing firm, and ranking the eight countries that are represented.
For the first time ever, well-known personalities have agreed to join the jury for one evening. Their decision will be featured on video and broadcast on the web at www.internationaldesfeuxlotoquebec.com on the day following a fireworks show. This week, the well-known participant is popular hockey player Steve Bégin.
The choix du public TELUS (The Public’s Choice) returns
This year’s spectators will again have their say, as the world’s most prestigious light and music show invites the public to vote online! Participants, in addition to seeking out the approval of the judges who award Gold, Silver and Bronze Jupiter trophies, will now attempt to win over the public and earn a truly special prize! After each of this year’s performances, spectators will have until the following Friday at midnight to visit www.internationaldesfeuxloto-quebec.com and provide their opinion, by giving the show a score between 1 and 10. Site visitors will also be able to view a clip of the show and even share their experience with their Facebook friends
Technical details and ticket sales
Reserved seating may be purchased at www.admission.com and www.internationaldesfeuxlotoquebec.com. Programs and schedules (order of appearance of the competitors) will be available on both of these sites. Purchasing tickets can also be done by phoning (514) 790-1245 or toll-free 1 800 361-4595. For information concerning corporate and group rates, contact the La Ronde sales office at 514-397-7777, or ventes@laronde.com. Please note that all shows start at 10 PM. sharp.
Sponsors and partners
We offer heartfelt thanks to our valued sponsors and partners: primary sponsor Loto-Québec; presenting sponsor TELUS; collaborative sponsors SAQ; associate partner Québec Ministry of Tourism; official suppliers Agropur Signature, Belle Gueule, le Groupe Thomas Marine and Marriott Château Champlain and WKD Original Vodka Blue.
About the event: The event, which was originally known as Concours international d’art pyrotechnique de Montréal (Montreal International Fireworks Competition), was launched in 1985. Today, it is the most prestigious event of its kind in the world and it has been a member of the Major International Events Network (MIEN) since 2000 as well as Le Collectif de Festivals Montréalais (CFM), that will be launching the 1st edition of Montréal Festimania this year.
About La Ronde and Six Flags : La Ronde is the property of Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, the world’s largest regional theme park company with 2010 revenue of nearly $1.0 billion and 19 parks across the United States, Mexico and Canada. Six Flags Over Texas, the company’s flagship location, is celebrating its 50th anniversary season in 2011.
Information :
Catherine Tremblay
Communications Manager
La Ronde – Member of the Six Flags Family
514 397-2001, extension 2703
ctremblay@sftp.com