200th fireworks extravaganza planned for l'International des feux Loto-Québec's 2006 season at La Ronde

Line-up includes first African participation and People's Vote

MONTREAL, June 6 /CNW Telbec/ - La Ronde (www.laronde.com) announced today the 2006 programme for L'International des feux Loto-Québec (www.internationaldesfeuxloto-quebec.com) -- including a team from South Africa (the first African nation ever to participate), a People's Vote, as well as plans for a major season finale commemorating the 200th fireworks - taking place from June 17 to July 29 .
Over three million guests are expected again this season to La Ronde's Lac des Dauphins, the Jacques Cartier Bridge, various spots on the Island of Montréal and on both shores of the Saint Lawrence River for the world's best pyrotechnics show, starting with Bugano of Switzerland on Saturday, June 17 at 10 p.m.
For the first time, the public is invited to participate in the People's Vote by taking pictures of fireworks using a mobile telephone. The fireworks most often photographed will be awarded a Public's Prize, and one photo-contest participant chosen at random will be awarded the Telus prize.
Countries competing for Jupiter trophies in 2006 are Switzerland, Italy, Argentina, South Africa, Portugal, Canada, US, France, and Australia, followed by the 200th fireworks by La Ronde's Panzera S.A.S. on July 29.
Popular cultural columnist Francine Grimaldi is the Guest of Honour for the 200th fireworks.
"I've seen every single firework since 1985 and each one has been a pleasure," said Ms. Grimaldi. "Each firework is ephemeral, unique, and not one will ever be replicated. It's magic for all - kids and adults. The fireworks are an integral part of how we here enjoy our summer Sunday evenings."
"Panzera have something special and different planned for this important milestone," said Martyne Gagnon, Director of l'International des feux Loto-Québec, "but the only place to know more about it will be to come and experience the show on July 29. It's going to be mind-boggling."
The best place to fully enjoy and appreciate each fireworks display remains on site at La Ronde's grandstand, where guests benefit from an enhanced sensorial experience, including:
- Optimal seating
- Eye-level visibility
- Unhindered view of the sky
- World-class sound system (each firework is choreographed)
- Reflection of the fireworks mirrored in the Lac des Dauphins
- Unlimited access to La Ronde's more than 40 rides and attractions

Over 60 million visitors have attended fireworks since 1985. "Coming on site to view the fireworks is going to be simply
awe-inspiring," said Len Turtora, Vice-President and General Manager of La Ronde. "Our lineup for the season is innovative, exclusive, and exciting. There's something for everyone."
Added Pierre Bibeau, First Corporate Vice-President of Communications and Public Affairs for Loto-Québec: "The International des feux Loto-Québec is one of the premier events giving Montreal its international reputation. Loto-Québec is proud to be associated to the greatest fireworks in the world."

Telus joins Loto-Quebec this year as sponsor for the fireworks.
"We are thrilled to be associated to one of the most prestigious fireworks in the world," said Anne-Marie Laberge, Vice President,
Communications-Marketing, Telus Quebec. "Part of our objectives at Telus is to actively help provide thrills and memories to hundreds of thousands of fireworks enthusiasts. We feel this is a great way to give back to the community where we live, work and serve."
La Ronde recently launched the park's 2006 schedule, including the new Goliath. Goliath, presented by Telus and Canada's tallest and fastest roller coaster ever, is part of Six Flags' $75 million investment in La Ronde since 2001, including 16 new rides and attractions in the past four years.

Technical details and ticket sales

The International des Feux Loto-Québec fireworks displays begin at 10 p.m., rain or shine. On fireworks nights, the Jacques Cartier Bridge is closed to vehicular traffic from 8 p.m. until the end of the show. Reserved-seat tickets may be purchased at La Ronde (tickets include unlimited, all-day access to rides), via the Admission network, on the Web at www.admission.com, or by phone at (514) 790-1245, or toll-free, 1 800 361-4595. Group rates and corporate boxes are also available; call (514) 397-7777 or send e-mail to ventes@laronde.com.

For more detailed information, call (514) 397-2000 or visit our Web site at www.internationaldesfeuxloto-quebec.com.

About La Ronde: La Ronde is owned and operated by Six Flags, Inc., the world's largest regional theme park company. It owns and operates a total of 28 parks in North America. Six Flags parks serve 34 of the 50 largest metropolitan areas in the United States. Six Flags, Inc. is a publicly held corporation with corporate offices in New York City and Oklahoma City. The company's stock trades on the NYSE under the symbol: PKS.

Sadly I missed this press conference as I was away on business! It's interesting that there's going to be a "People's award" - I know many other competitions do this, though I think Montreal will be unique in having people use their mobile phones to take photos of the competition.

Paul.

Hey guys,

Thanks for posting the release, Fred. Really, it's that time of the year again, although I find myself saying so very quickly over the years.

I'm rather enamored by the attendance statistics since 1985 and the fact that Ms. Grimaldi has seen all the displays since, which is most impressive. It's quite astonishing of the expected population this season as well.

As Paul mentioned, the photograph contest is also quite intriguing and a somewhat integral approach to the whole ordeal, which, as one can argue, offers more attraction to the fireworks competition as a whole and can thus be beneficial in the "participation" sector.

Finally, it's good to see that much attention is devoted to the new country (South Africa). I'm sure we're all looking forward to witnessing their prowess.

And it's good to see the new schedule up, Paul. Thank you. Since the presenting times of the participants were first released on this forum, I couldn't help but to think about the presentations on the back to back Sundays because of St. Jean Baptiste and Canada Day falling both on the Saturdays respectively. It's been a while since I've been to a display on a Sunday. However, I'm sure we'll be in for double displays on both weekends for both the competition (on the Sundays) and the celebrations on the Saturdays. Quite an authentic, yet ostentatious, Summer this year, as I would say.

Trav.

Very interesting schedule this year . It's a real shame I won't be able to see all the displays this year. What's even more frustrating is that I had free tickets for the closing display . Well, I guess going to Italy is much more interesting . I would gladly appreciate it if someone recorded the whole closing display. I would be willing to pay in order to get a copy . Anyways, the people's choice award is very exciting since every competition has one (Oscars, movie awards, music awards ...). Then why shouldn't we? I think that by doing this, La Ronde will attract many new viewers (also outside La Ronde). All in all, it sounds like a very promising year indeed .

Dan

I am not sure that the "People's award" is so interesting. First, since the winner will be the most pictured display, we can predict that the show with the largest attendance will win. Second, and this is the most important point, the winners are chosen by the people since 1992 via a popular jury. It makes more sense to create a "People's award" when the official winners are selected by specialists; this is not the case in Montreal. In conclusion, I believe that this new "prize" is more a marketing strategy designed to promote Telus' product than a way to reward a good show.

Fred

Hi Fred,

Yo may be right. However, would you take a picture if the display wasn't up to your standards? Remember, many fans of the firework competition are not stupid. If the display is not nice, no picture will be sent. Also, the pictures are not free. A service charge will be applied in order to summit your pictures. So, in theory, your absolutely right. But, considering the amount of knowlodge fellow firework fans have obtained during the years cannot be forgotten. I will try to get more info from Carole during the next few days. Hopefully, she'll have time to respond to my email, lol.

Dan

I think the "people's award" is a neat new approach to garner attention, but as Fred said, this may be only an underlying variable of convenience for the marketing sector. However, I like the idea of the interaction of people to the competition in a way because of mere attraction and possible increases in popularity. This also gives people the chance to participate as well as to learn more about individual pyrotechnic terms while taking photos.

Dan,

How many displays will you be able to see?

Trav.

Hi Trav.

For sure I will see the first 5 displays (if it doesn't rain). I was planning on going to see Italy from La Ronde (also if it doesn't rain). I'm not sure if I'll get to see Canada since I'm leaving on Sunday. Unfortunately, I won't see the other displays. Better then not watching any of them .

Dan

Hi Dan,

The way I see it, you're still going to see 1/2 of the competition while you'll be able to witness South Africa. And there might be a good chance that you'll be able to see the Panzera closing show since this is usually recorded, but moreso the ending as well as subsequent parts here and there. Furthermore, you'll get the chance to read our opinions/reports for the displays that you will miss while you may also be able to ask us questions while you're in Italy, that is, if you get the chance to access a computer frequently.

Regards,

Trav.