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January 11, 2010
(Red Deer, Alberta) – The countdown is on with only five days remaining until the Olympic flame makes its way through Red Deer, and everyone is encouraged to come out, cheer on the torchbearers and take in the community celebration at Westerner Park.
The community celebration kicks off at 5 p.m. in the south parking lot at Westerner Park with free family events and activities that everyone can enjoy. The torch will leave Red Deer College at 6:15 p.m. via 32 Street and Gaetz Avenue, and it will arrive at Westerner Park at 7 p.m.
“That’s when the celebration really begins,” said Lyn Radford, Red Deer Olympic Torch Relay Task Force Chairperson. “What better way to light up the spirit of our entire community than by coming out to cheer on the torchbearers and show your support for our local athletes as the flame makes it way through our city.”
Red Deer is one of only 200 communities singled out to host a regional celebration along Canada’s Olympic Torch Relay route. “This event is sure to warm up a chilly Red Deer January evening with so many volunteers working tirelessly to prepare a tremendous festival and welcome for the Olympic flame,” said Mayor Morris Flewwelling.
The community celebration, which runs from 5 to 9 p.m., will feature everything from face painting, to music, art and culture. “We’ve worked to create an eclectic winter village that mixes the young and old, a rock band with classical music, new Canadians with community old timers and an ice sculptor with local sport legends,” said Radford.
There is limited parking at Westerner Park; however, Park N Ride services are available from two locations: the northeast parking lot at Parkland Mall and Notre Dame High School. People who need barrier free Park N Ride services are asked to go to Notre Dame High School. All Park N Ride services will run from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m.
People who want to see the Olympic flame on its way to Westerner Park can line the west side of Gaetz Avenue between 32 Street and 19 Street from 6:25 to 6:50 p.m. Onlookers should use crosswalks to cross Gaetz Avenue and must refrain from standing on the median. This viewing site is not recommended for children under 15 years old.
Visit www.reddeer.ca for a route map or more information about the Olympic Torch Relay Community Celebration.
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For more information about the Olympic Torch Relay Community Celebration, please contact:
Lyn Radford
Red Deer Olympic Torch Relay Task Force Chairperson
403-343-0551 or lradford@shaw.ca
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