Press release
For immediate distribution
Last competitor up at L’International des Feux Loto-Québec presented by TELUS:
France paints a pyrotechnical portrait of a Québécois in Paris
Montreal, Tuesday, July 26, 2011 – The French love to eat, drive like madmen, and go on strike – these are some of the stereotypical traits that the French firm of Lacroix-Ruggieri will spoof in its fireworks display on Wednesday, July 27 in a show titled “Maudits Français” (Damned Frenchmen). With a healthy dose of self-ridicule, the team from France will tell the incredible story of a Québécois who comes upon a mysterious object (“made in France”) on the shores of lac des Dauphins at La Ronde and suddenly finds himself catapulted to Paris. Thanks to the magic of pyrotechnics, spectators will accompany the traveller in his journey through the City of Light, from the Moulin Rouge in Montmartre to Versailles to the Eiffel Tower.
Musical selections by Offenbach, Daft Punk, Yann Tiersen, and David Guetta, among others, are included on the soundtrack of this singular pyrotechnical journey. Lacroix-Ruggieri’s show also includes an interactive dimension as our traveller, home from his Parisian excursion, engages in conversation with spectators in the stands at La Ronde.
The inspiration for the show came from Lynda Lemay’s song, Les maudits Français. After hearing the song, Lacroix-Ruggieri decided to create a fireworks show that pokes fun at their countrymen’s customs and traditions. For help in producing and staging the show, the French firm turned to the designers of historical recreations at the famed Puy du Fou theme park located in the Vendée region of France. This is Lacroix-Ruggieri’s 12th participation in the Montréal competition [Editor’s note: they have competed 14 times]. On three occasions, in 1985, 1990 and 2002, it scooped up the Gold Jupiter Award.
A list of the 22 titles from the show’s soundtrack is available at 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 the band Radio Radio.
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