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Torch celebration in Red Deer (schedule included)

On Friday, it’s Red Deer’s turn to bask in the glow of the Olympic flame.The Olympic torch departs Red Deer College at 6:15 p.m. via 32nd Street and Gaetz Avenue and arrives at 7 p.m. at Westerner Park , where festivities will be underway.The Olympic Torch Relay Community Celebration at Westerner Park is a free, outdoor event that runs from 5 to 9 p.m.
OLY Torch Run 20100111
Blair Morgan holds aloft the Olympic Torch Monday

On Friday, it’s Red Deer’s turn to bask in the glow of the Olympic flame.


Watch www.reddeeradvocate.com later this evening for photos and video of the Olympic Torch event


The Olympic torch departs Red Deer College at 6:15 p.m. via 32nd Street and Gaetz Avenue and arrives at 7 p.m. at Westerner Park, where festivities will be underway.

The Olympic Torch Relay Community Celebration at Westerner Park is a free, outdoor event that runs from 5 to 9 p.m.

Barb McKee, city liaison to the organizing committee, said the turnout should be huge.

“A year and a half ago when we started planning, we anticipated 10,000. We know that Canada Day attracts 20,000. We wouldn’t be surprised if that is what happens (today) thanks to mother nature,” said McKee with a high of 4C expected on Friday.

Thirteen people will carry the torch through the city, including a secret torch bearer who will be led into Westerner Park to light the caldron by the Red Deer Royals and 34 student athletes who are “Flames of the Future.”

Across Canada, more than 12,000 torch bearers will carry the flame 45,000 km from coast to coast over 106 days to reach Vancouver on Feb. 12, the date of the 2010 Winter Games opening ceremonies.

Spectators in Red Deer can line the west side of Gaetz Avenue between 32nd and 19th Streets from 6:25 to 6:50 p.m. or they can head to Westerner Park to see the torch enter the celebration site at 7 p.m.

Along Gaetz, people are reminded to use caution as traffic moves along the torch route, use crosswalks and refrain from standing in the median.

Gaetz Avenue viewing is not recommended for children under 15.

OLYMPIC TORCH CELEBRATION

It’s a free evening of fun and entertainment – all of Central Alberta is invited.

Park ‘n Ride is available from Parkland Mall Northeast lot via 67th Street, and Notre Dame High School South entrance off Lees Street. Parking will be limited at the Westerner and will cost $3 per vehicle.

Check out the line-up of entertainment including Alberta’s acclaimed alternative country star Corb Lund as well as local entertainment.

MAIN STAGE PROGRAM

5:00 p.m.Olympic sports and Olympic host countries parade

5:45 p.m.Official welcome

5:50 p.m.Torch Relay Song (written & performed by Kayla Williams for Red Deer’s Torch Relay event)

6:00 p.m.Corb Lund performance, Part 1

6:20 p.m.Torch Relay sponsor RBC entertainment

6:35 p.m.Torch Relay sponsor Coca-Cola entertainment

6:50 p.m.White Chocolate Break Dancers

7:00 p.m.Final torchbearer and Flames of the Future arrive on stage

(lighting of the celebration cauldron---an historic moment for Central Alberta)

7:05 p.m.National Anthem - Lindsay Thurber Jazz Choir

7:10 p.m.Interview with final torchbearer

7:15 p.m.Vancouver 2010 entertainment

7:30 p.m.Corb Lund performance, Part 2

7:50 p.m.Extinguishing the Flame / Closing Remarks and fireworks

THROUGHOUT THE EVENING, ENJOY SMALL STAGE PROGRAMS

Barobliq - Francophone Rock Musician

Cathy Vetter – Folk/Roots Musician

Dance Traxx Studio – Canadian Dance Routine

Irish Dance Association of Red Deer – Irish Dancers

Lisa Heinrichs - Folk Musician

Natacha Homerodean - Francophone Contemporary Musician

Red Deer Aboriginal Dance Troupe – Aboriginal Dancers

The Boom Chucka Boys - Rock Musician

St. James Gate – Celtic Band

Donna Durand Prairie Trio – Prairie/Folk Musician

For more torch relay information, go to www.reddeer.ca or call 403-358-7528.