NB 1630
Dec. 17, 2007
FREDERICTON (CNB) - The host for the official 2008 New Brunswick Day celebrations will be Shediac, the New Brunswick Provincial Capital Commission (NBPCC) announced today.
"We had several requests from potential hosts," commission chair Walter Brown said. "The success of the event in Rexton this August gave other communities the push. With over 1,600 people in attendance, Rexton's population more than doubled."
Those in attendance at Rexton included Lt.-Gov. Herménégilde Chiasson, Premier Shawn Graham, and a strong presence from CFB Gagetown, including a Griffon helicopter. Representatives from CFB Gagetown also celebrated Armed Forces Day. Most of the first-place winners in the student drawing and writing contest and some of the second-place and honourable mention winners also attended.
"We in Shediac are thrilled to be able to showcase our town," Mayor Raymond Cormier said. "In addition to offering all of our services in both official languages, we have a rich cultural heritage to showcase. We will be honoured to host the province on Aug. 4, 2008."
New Brunswick Day has been a provincial holiday since 1976. In 1989, the Department of Tourism, Recreation and Heritage became responsible for organising festivities, which since 1990 as been celebrated in cities, towns, and villages throughout the province.
New Brunswick Day Merit Awards, designed to recognize exceptional New Brunswickers, also became part of the provincial celebrations in 1989. "These awards go a long way in recognizing the important contributions our local organizations make towards the quality of life we have come to enjoy in New Brunswick," Finance Minister Victor Boudreau said.
In addition to the Merit Awards, New Brunswick Day writing and drawing contest winners will receive their New Brunswick Great Days and Getaways package. Prizes are presented by the premier. In 2007, over 2,000 contest entries were received in the three categories - Aboriginal, francophone and anglophone.
"In 2008, we hope more New Brunswick children will participate from more areas of the province," Brown said. "This year's theme - Pride in our cultures! - should really encourage students' creativity."
Formed in March 2007, the New Brunswick Provincial Capital Commission's mandate is to promote the culture, history and diversity of the capital region as a gateway to the rest of the province. This is the commission's second year co-ordinating official celebrations and organizing the contests for New Brunswick Day.
07/12/17
MEDIA CONTACT: Lee Ellen Pottie, project co-ordinator & communications officer, New Brunswick Provincial Capital Commission, 506-444-2026.
07/12/07
