December 6, 2004 OTTAWA – Her Excellency the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, Governor General of Canada, and His Excellency John Ralston Saul invite everyone to come to Rideau Hall for an afternoon of holiday cheer with family and friends at the annual Governor General's Levee, on Sunday, December 12, 2004, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. During the levee, young and old alike will have the opportunity to send a message of support to the men and women of the Canadian Forces that are away from their families during the holiday season. Guests can write their messages, while children can create Christmas cards for our troops at arts and crafts tables. Visitors will also have the chance to tour the historic residence to the sound of holiday music and learn how to care for poinsettias and other seasonal plants from horticultural expert Ed Lawrence. Children can decorate gingerbread cookies and everyone can enjoy light refreshments. Entertainment this year will feature The Ottawa Children's Concert Choir and the Dickens Carollers, as well as balloon sculptors, guides dressed in period costumes and much more. All activities are free of charge. Free shuttle from NRC parking on Sussex Drive Free parking will be available at the National Research Council, 100 Sussex Drive, and a free shuttle will take you to and from Rideau Hall from 1:30 p.m. until completion of the event. Please note that the grounds will be closed until 1 p.m. to allow for Levee preparations. Limited on-site parking for persons with disabilities will be available via the Princess Avenue gate. Please see Annex A for more information on Rideau Hall's fun winter program. Media interested in covering this event are asked to use the Princess Avenue gate or to call the Rideau Hall Press Office. -30- Media information: Rideau Hall Press Office (613) 993-8158 www.gg.ca Public Information 991-ggca (4422) 1 866 842-ggca (4422) Annex A: Rideau Hall Winter Public Program Residence Tours: Tours are available during Winterlude weekends from February 5 to 27, 2005, between 12 noon and 4 p.m. Group tours are available daily, by reservation, from December 2004 to April 2005, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. The McMichael Canadian Art Collection at Rideau Hall: A feature of the residence tour, this exhibition showcases 12 landscapes created by some of Canada's most renowned artists. Art Tours: Discover the impressive collection of Canadian art. Friday afternoons, by reservation. Outdoor Skating (January 8 to March 20, 2005, weather permitting): Glide to the sounds of classic melodies on this historic rink established in 1872. On weekends, join costumed interpreters and recall Rideau Hall's historic past (Hockey is not permitted.) Public skating: weekends, 12 noon to 5 p.m. Organized groups: by reservation; Monday to Friday, 12 noon to 8 p.m. and weekends from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Note: Scheduling for all activities is subject to change without notice due to official events. Reservations: Call 991-ggcs (4422) or 1 866 842-ggca (4422)
