June 25, 2004 OTTAWA - Want to paint a paddle, learn how to build a birch bark canoe or groove to the tunes of Spirit of the West? Her Excellency the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, Governor General of Canada, and His Excellency John Ralston Saul invite everyone to pack a picnic and head over to Canada's favourite backyard to take part in these activities and others during the pre-Canada Day Party in the Garden at Rideau Hall on Wednesday, June 30, 2004. From 5 to 9 p.m., young and young-at-heart will have the chance to experience Canada's great outdoors through a variety of fun, free activities. At 7 p.m., East will meet West when Shaye, Atlantic Canada's highly acclaimed trio, appears in concert with Spirit of the West, the popular Vancouver-based Celtic pop band, to kick off the first of six free concerts to be held this summer on the grounds of Rideau Hall. Rideau Hall would like to gratefully acknowledge its concert media partners, CHUM Group Radio-Ottawa, CIMF Rock Détente 94.9 FM, Le Droit and the Ottawa Citizen. MEDIA: Media are welcome to take footage during the performers' sound checks on June 30 on the Rideau Hall stage. Interviews can take place following the groups' rehearsals. Spirit of the West sound check: 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Shaye sound check: 3:30 to 4:30 p.m For more details on the Governor General's Party in the Garden, please see the attached annex, or visit our web site at www.gg.ca . -30- Media information Rideau Hall Press Office (613) 998-7280 (613) 998-0287 or (613) 993-8157 www.gg.ca Public information: (613) 991-ggca (4422) or 1 866 842-ggca (4422) ANNEX: Information - Governor General's Party in the Garden When: Wednesday, June 30, 2004, 5-9 p.m. Where: Grounds of Rideau Hall, 1 Sussex Drive, Ottawa What: 5-9 p.m.* Old-fashioned games, kids' crafts, a variety of exhibits highlighting Canada's great outdoors such as storytelling and songs from some of Canada's well-known canoeists, an exhibit by the Canadian Canoe Museum, a workshop by military cadets on orienteering and how to build a wilderness camp, a paddle-making workshop, volleyball, ultimate Frisbee and cricket demonstrations and games, self-guided tours of the residence and gardens, as well as refreshments. *Some activities will end at 7 p.m. 7-9 p.m. Free concert featuring Spirit of the West and Shaye (Rideau Hall Stage) Parking: Visitors can park at the National Research Council at 100 Sussex Drive. Four gates will be open to the public - Sussex Drive, Thomas Street, Mackay Street pedestrian gate and Princess Avenue. Parking on the grounds will be limited to seniors and mobility-impaired visitors. MEDIA MAY ENTER THROUGH PRINCESS GATE AND PARK ON THE GROUNDS IN A DESIGNATED AREA. Bike racks: Bicycles are not permitted on the grounds. Bicycle racks will be available at the entrances to the grounds. Pets/alcohol: No pets or alcohol are permitted on the grounds. Bus: We encourage the use of public transportation. OC Transpo bus route number 3 will take you to Rideau Hall. For more information on OC Transpo services and maps, please visit http://www.octranspo.com or call (613) 741-4390. Inclement weather: The Party in the Garden and the evening concert will be cancelled only under severe weather conditions. In the event of cancellations, announcements will be made on local radio stations.
