Press release
For immediate distribution
Montreal, Tuesday, July 19, 2011 – Wednesday, “Wizard of Oz” fans are invited to La Ronde to witness a pyrotechnic display of the cult film directed by Victor Fleming, starring the legendary Judy Garland. Dorothy, Hunk the Scarecrow, Zeke the Cowardly Lion and Hickory the Tin Man will be brought back to life “somewhere, over the Rainbow” in a performance orchestrated by Zambelli Fireworks of the United States.
Patrick Brault, a Quebecker who has been an artistic consultant for the Zambelli Fireworks firm for 3 years, has achieved a real feat in creating a 30-minute soundtrack featuring the film’s highlights and best loved songs, including “Follow the Yellow Brick Road,” “Ding Dong the Witch is Dead” and the classic “Over the Rainbow.” Each of the characters is embodied in a special pyrotechnic display.
Zambelli Fireworks, based in Newcastle, Pennsylvania was founded 112 years ago. With thousands of employees and regional offices located across the United States, Zambelli Fireworks is one of the largest pyrotechnic firms on the continent. Taking part in this year’s July 4th celebrations of the anniversary of the United States’ Declaration of Independence, the company staged no fewer than 800 fireworks displays over a period of 3 days. After a 26-year hiatus, Zambelli is returning to Montréal.
The 18 titles in the soundtrack are listed on L’International’s web site at www.internationaldesfeuxloto-quebec.com
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 writer India Desjardins.
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 can 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.
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Information :
Catherine Tremblay
Communications Manager
La Ronde – Member of the Six Flags Family
514 397-2001, extension 2703
ctremblay@sftp.com