On CNW/Telbec this morning. Paul, are you going to this press conference?

Frédérick


Attention News Editors:

Media advisory - The Montreal International Fireworks competition is 20 years old!!!
MONTREAL, April 19 /CNW Telbec/ - For the 20th anniversary of the
Montréal International Fireworks Competition, La Ronde and the SAQ cordially
invite you to the official launch of the Cuvée Platine du Mondial SAQ, a
premium vintage of pyrotechnic firms. Come discover the 2004 Mondial SAQ
breathtaking programme of fireworks wizardry that will set the night skies
over Montréal ablaze this summer to the rhythm of the world's most daring and
majestic celebration of pyrotechnics art.

When: Tuesday, April 20, 11 a.m.
Where: Le Jupiter, La Ronde
Access: La Ronde, Village entrance
Via Jacques-Cartier Bridge, Parc Jean Drapeau exit;
via De la Concorde Bridge to Ile Sainte-Hélène.
Parking available on site.

Please confirm your attendance at (514) 397-2001, ext. 2703 or at
amdesautels@laronde.com.


For further information: Anne-Marie Desautels, Public Relations Manager,
La Ronde, Member of the Six Flags Family, Telephone: (514) 397-2001, ext.
2703

Here is the second news release posted by La Ronde today.
Frédérick


Ginette Reno to inaugurate the Coupe du monde SAQ at La Ronde - MONTREAL FIREWORKS FESTIVAL TURNS 20!
MONTREAL, April 20 /CNW Telbec/ - As of June 12, the Montréal night sky
will once again provide the backdrop to the planet's most magnificent and
daring pyromusical displays, this year to celebrate the Montréal International
Fireworks Competition 20th anniversary.
From June 12 to July 28, the Mondial SAQ will present a very special
edition of the fireworks competition that has become a tradition at La Ronde:
the Coupe du monde SAQ - Special 20th Anniversary Edition. Eight former Gold
Jupiter winners from seven different countries - pyrotechnics firms at the
height of their artistry - will try to out-do each other in audacity and
talent to obtain the most prestigious distinction in the pyrotechnics
industry: the Platinum Jupiter. This unique honour will crown 20 years of
fireworks excellence in Montréal.
With stakes this high, fireworks fans from all over the Greater Montréal
region can expect no less than the most remarkable pyrotechnical displays in
the world - an occasion where tradition, creativity and interaction will
combine to raise the art of pyrotechnics to levels never before attained.
"Everything is in place to turn this exceptional event, the
20th anniversary, into a celebration that will set hearts a-flutter throughout
the city and across the province," says Marcelle Girard, Vice-President of
Strategic Development, Marketing and Communications at the SAQ. "And the SAQ
has created a singular ad campaign to mark the event. It is our firm intention
to make the 2004 Montréal fireworks resound in every part of Québec."
For this special edition, 20 former members of the popular jury will
regroup to judge competing firms' performances. Judging will be based on the
quality of the displays, pyromusical design, synchronization and general
appreciation.
"Thanks to the support of the SAQ, La Ronde can proudly produce the
world's most prestigious fireworks competition and maintain a local tradition
that has become firmly established in the hearts of Québecers over the past
20 years," says Len Turtora, Vice-President and General Manager of La Ronde.

An extraordinary opening day

On June 12, La Ronde and the SAQ will host a very special opening day to
inaugurate the Coupe du monde SAQ and kick off the festivities for the
Montréal International Fireworks Competition's 20th anniversary. From the
moment the park opens its gates, visitors can enjoy various activities with an
international flavour that include dance performances, arts and crafts
workshops courtesy of Omer de Serres, and information kiosks on the different
countries that have competed in the fireworks competition over the years.
The official opening ceremony is due to start around 9 p.m., and will be
emceed by Michel Lacroix. During the event, Ginette Reno and the La Ronde
pyrotechnics team will put on a magnificent pyromusical moment to honour all
the master pyrotechnicians who, year after year, present Montrealers with the
most innovative pyromusical creations ever to grace the skies.
Opening ceremonies will be followed by an out-of-competition fireworks
display from Canadian firm Ampleman Pyrotechnics. Winner of a Bronze Jupiter
in 1989, a Silver Jupiter in 1999 and a Bronze Jupiter in 2002, Ampleman will
present As Time Goes By. Here, led by acrobat-pyrotechnicians, spectators will
embark on a pyromusical journey through the dazzling evolution of fireworks
technology since the inaugural Montréal International Fireworks Competition in
1985.

Coupe du monde SAQ: vintage pyrotechnics

"This first-ever presentation of a Platinum Jupiter will undoubtedly
cement Montréal's position as an international centre of pyrotechnical know-
how and technology," says Martyne Gagnon, director of the Mondial SAQ.
On Saturday, June 19, Spanish firm Pirotècnia Igual will put on a show of
special significance with the dedication of this year's performance to company
founder Mario Igual Baseda, who died in March. Lights for Peace, a magnificent
pyromusical display from this two-time Gold Jupiter recipient (1988 and 2001),
will showcase an appeal for world peace in spectacular style.
The following Saturday, June 26, Japanese firm Marutamaya Co. Ltd.,
winner of the Gold Jupiter for classical fireworks at the very first
competition in 1985, will present Harmony, an epic, Buddhism-inspired
pyromusical display that re-creates the planet's beauty and harmony in five
tableaux, each representing a fundamental element of nature: earth, wind,
fire, water, and air.
On Saturday, July 3, Italian firm Ipon S.R.L. presents Feste Romane, a
pyromusical anthem to Italy's most famous city, Rome. Founded in 1896, the
firm is based in Ottaviano, near Naples. Ipon S.R.L. took home the Gold
Jupiter in 1997, the first time the firm had ever participated in the
competition.
On Saturday, July 10, Spanish firm Pirotecnia Caballer-Vicente Caballer
will set out to charm spectators with Music of my Heart, a masterly
pyromusical ode honouring the great melodies that are so much a part of our
journey through life. Established near Valencia, this century-old pyrotechnics
firm took home two Gold Jupiters from Montréal in 1986 and 1993.
Following this, on Wednesday, July 14, the competition will welcome JNS
Pyrotechniek B.V. from Leeuwarden in northern Holland. Winner of the 1995 Gold
Jupiter, the Dutch firm will present Invasion of the Colours, a breathtaking
pyromusical excursion into the heart of fantasy and science fiction with music
from blockbuster films like Star Wars and E.T.
On Saturday, July 17, 1992 Gold Jupiter winner Sunny International Co.,
Inc. of China will present Dragons and Butterflies, a Chinese-style
pyromusical spectacle where tradition and innovation blend seamlessly to
re-create the singular atmosphere of this Asian land. Sunny International is a
family firm with over 15 years experience in the art of pyrotechnics.
On Wednesday, July 21, French firm Lacroix-Ruggieri, who won the Gold
Jupiter in 1985 (pyromusical display), 1990 and 2002, will present Cinema:
Silver Screen, Endless Nights, a fabulous pyromusical adventure that will
enchant audiences as it takes them through the history of cinema. The Italian
Ruggieri brothers began their career in 1739, while the Société Lacroix was
founded in Toulouse, France, in 1848. In 1997, the destinies of these two
great pyrotechnics firms crossed and Lacroix-Ruggieri was born.
Finally, on Saturday, July 24, German firm WECO, winner of the Gold
Jupiter in 2000, presents Eau de Cologne, a pyromusical invitation to
discover, through music and images, the majesty and exceptional character of
Cologne and Montréal, two multicultural cities rich in history and tradition.
WECO hails from Eitorf, near Cologne, and was founded in 1948 by Hermann
Weber.

An exultant ending

The closing ceremony, when the official presentation of the coveted
Platinum Jupiter will take place, will be held at 9 p.m. on July 28 on the
floating stage of Lac des Dauphins at La Ronde. This exceptional evening will
feature a special pyrotechnical homage to Giovanni Panzera, master
pyrotechnician and the competition's artistic director from 1087 to 2000.
Major industry players will also be honoured for their invaluable
contributions to the Montréal International Fireworks Competition's reputation
for prestige and quality.
The 20th edition of the Montréal International Fireworks Competition will
wind up with La Ronde's extravagant display from Panzera S.A.S., which, back
in 1985, staged the province's very first pyromusical show. Panzera's Italian
pyrotechnicians and musical director Pierre Walder will present La Ronde
Around the World, a pyromusical tribute to fireworks artists from across the
globe, particularly those who have received the supreme distinction of a Gold
Jupiter. On the menu is a musical repertoire that will take you to Canada and
Japan via Europe and the United States.

First-class tribute shows

On fireworks nights, musical tribute shows to the theme of 20 Years Ago
will be held at La Ronde's Jardin des Etoiles at 8:45 p.m. and again at 11
p.m. From the Bee Gees to U2, saluting Chicago, Elton John and Billy Joel,
this series of performances will allow audiences to experience - or re-
experience - the delightful tunes that marked an era.
The Mondial SAQ fireworks displays will take place at 10 p.m., rain or
shine. On fireworks nights, the Jacques-Cartier Bridge closes to vehicular
traffic from around 8 p.m. until the end of the display.
Reserved seats at La Ronde's Place du Canada (including unlimited access
to most rides) are available through the ADMISSION network, and may be
purchased online at www.admission.com or by phone at (514) 790-1245 (toll-
free, 1 800 361-4595).

History

Thanks to its team of seasoned local experts, state-of-the-art technical
facilities at the Lac des Dauphins launch pads, and the high expectations of
Montréal audiences, the Montréal International Fireworks Competition has
quickly achieved a reputation and status unequalled in the pyrotechnics
industry, becoming the most prestigious fireworks competition in the world.

The Montréal International Fireworks Competition (today the Mondial SAQ)
was created in 1985 to inaugurate the La Ronde theme park's season in
spectacular style. Audiences were immediately won over by the universal
appeal, beauty and magic of the displays, and the love affair has been ongoing
ever since. Through their loyalty, Montréal audiences have become
knowledgeable critics of fireworks displays over the years - to the extent
that they're now recognized internationally as true connoisseurs of the
pyromusical art form.

Can you believe, I missed the press conference! I was away for a week and was flying back yesterday and so I missed it! To say I'm disappointed is the understatement of the year! Previously, the press conferences have been in May or June so I was surprised when I got home last night to find the invitation ... and even more surprised to find out that I'd missed the whole thing!

Cheers,

Paul.