Greetings,

This is a letter that I got via e-mail from L'international Des Feux Loto-Quebec. It's quite interesting, so I'm sure you'll all find it very comprehensive.

Well, here it is:

Hi Travis,

La Ronde fireworks competition introduces new sponsor and new name, L'International des Feux Loto-Québec
At a ceremony attended by new principal sponsor Loto-Québec, La Ronde unveiled the new name, graphic signature and programming for the 21st Montréal International Fireworks Competition, to be held from June 18 to July 30. With this year's edition, the event embarks on its third decade, still igniting Montréal's night skies and delighting crowds young and young-at-heart. Now known as L'International des Feux Loto-Québec, this large-scale public attraction will continue to dazzle the three million enthusiasts who each year flock to the site of La Ronde's Lac des Dauphins, the Jacques Cartier Bridge, various spots on the Island of Montréal and on both shores of the Saint Lawrence River to admire the planet's most beautiful pyrotechnics performances.

"As producer of this pyrotechnical arts competition for over 20 years now, La Ronde is pleased and proud to be associated with our new principal sponsor, Loto-Québec. This new partnership, to last at least five years, allows us to ensure the long-term viability of a local tradition that is a vital ingredient in Montréal's summer festival season," said Len Turtora, Vice-President and General Manager of La Ronde.


On the program
The 2005 edition of L'International des Feux Loto-Québec takes place this year at La Ronde from June 18 to July 30. Over 10 nights of pure bedazzlement, pre-eminent master pyrotechnicians from Australia, France, Argentina, Sweden, Spain, the Czech Republic, Portugal, Canada and the United States will show off their ingenuity, talent, expertise, passion and innovation as they vie for supremacy against the darkened backdrop of Montréal's skies. Successively, competing firms will try to outdo each other and take home the highest distinction awarded in the pyrotechnical arts: a Gold, Silver or Bronze Jupiter trophy.
http://www.internationaldesfeuxloto-quebec.com/en/programmation/Defaul t.asp

Become a member of the popular jury
Organizers also announced that recruiting of the popular jury for this international-calibre competition begins today: anyone interested in participating is asked to submit an application via the Web site www.internationaldesfeuxloto-quebec.com. Entries will be accepted until April 19. Selected jurors are assigned the duty of evaluating competing firms' performances according to quality of the pyrotechnics pieces used, the musical concept, synchronization, and their overall personal impressions. A total of 19 people will be chosen to be part of the official popular jury, and must be available for all pyrotechnical musical competitions of L'International des Feux Loto-Québec to ensure the integrity of the results.
http://www.internationaldesfeuxloto-quebec.com/en/programmation/Jury.a sp

Change in official networker
The winds of change carrying the event brings along another major break in tradition. Fireworks enthusiasts will now be able to listen to the pyromusical experience directly from La Ronde by tuning in to 105,7 Rythme FM Montréal from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. The musical score of L'International des Feux Loto-Québec will be broadcast live from 10 p.m. to 10 :30 p.m.


Special programming- Jardin des Étoiles
Before and after every fireworks display, visitors to the site looking to partake in even more entertainment can stop by La Ronde's Jardin des Étoiles, where free live shows will be presented at 8:45 p.m. and 11 p.m. Performances by Andrée Watters, Luc De Larochellière, Bob Walsh and Les BB, among others, are on the menu.
http://www.internationaldesfeuxloto-quebec.com/en/programmation/Jardin .asp

Technical details and ticket sales
The International des Feux Loto-Québec fireworks displays begin at 10 p.m., rain or shine. On fireworks nights, the Jacques Cartier Bridge is closed to vehicular traffic from 8 p.m. until the end of the show. Reserved-seat tickets may be purchased at La Ronde (tickets include unlimited, all-day access to rides), via the Admission network, on the Web at www.admission.com, or by phone at (514) 790-1245, or toll-free,, 1 800 361-4595. Group rates and corporate boxes are also available; call (514) 397-7777 or send e-mail to ventes@laronde.com.
http://www.admission.com/cgi/guide.cgi?&C=CA&VIRT=15&TITLE=ARTIFICE&l= EN

Hope it was useful. It sure was to me.

Best regards,

Trav.