Brett Lund pimps the world's largest snow globe

Brett Lund, president of the Ontario Winter Carnival Bon Soo, is really excited about this year's festival.

Brett got even more excited today when Sault MPP David Orazietti showed up to announce that he had wrangled $12,000 out of the McGuinty government so Lund and his team can rope in more visitors to the 45th annual winter carnival in Sault Ste. Marie.

Orazietti dropped by the Bon Soo Retail Store in the Station Mall (across from Scotiabank) this afternoon and Lund took advantage of the opportunity to animatedly tell him all about the world's largest snow globe, a new attraction at this year's winter carnival.

"I'm not quite sure how they are going to do it, but apparently there is going to be a two-story-tall snow globe in Bellevue Park in which people will be demonstrating winter fun," said Lund. "It will be there from February 2 to 4."

The World's Biggest Snow Globe is a project of the Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation (OTMPC) as part of its Winter. Get into it. campaign.

The globe is travelling to different winter events in the province throughout the months of January and February and the Ontario Winter Carnival Bon Soo is among the select snow globe events being promoted by Ontario Tourism this year.

Lund also reminded Orazietti and everyone else to park at the Bellevue Marina at the end of Pine Street and take the hay wagon shuttle to events at Bellevue Park every day durating the carnival beginning Saturday February 2.

As reported earlier in SooToday.com, Ontario Lottery and Gaming is bringing Canadian country performer Michele Wright for a live show at the Steelback Centre on Saturday, February 2 as a highlight for the carnival.

The carnival kicks off with fireworks and opening ceremonies at Bondar Pavilion, starting with Stillwell, a Johnny Cash tribute band at 6 p.m., followed by Fire and Ice Flame Throwers on February 1.

Festivities that night will move into the Steelback Centre for the first time with Mr. Bon Soo's Birthday Bash starting at 8 p.m.

Events continue throughout the carnival with slides, snowshoe races, dog sled rides and many other fun activities at the winter playground in Bellevue Park and at other events around town until Sunday, February 10.

The full text of David Orazietti's news release follows.

************************* Orazietti announces $12,000 for Bon Soo Winter Carnival

Festivals and Events Help Draw Tourists and Build a Strong and Prosperous Economy

Sault Ste. Marie – David Orazietti MPP for Sault Ste. Marie announced funding today in the amount of $12,000 to help market the Bon Soo Winter Carnival.

"The Bon Soo Winter Carnival is an incredibly positive community event and our government is pleased to help support its success," said Orazietti. "The work of the Bon Soo Board of Directors and the countless volunteers truly make the event a memorable experience for everyone."

The Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation (OTMPC) funding will be used to help support the marketing of the Bon Soo Winter Carnival by developing new marketing strategies to attract new supporters.

"This announcement is great news once again for Bon Soo," said Brett Lund, President of the Bon Soo Board of Directors. "The funding will assist us in spreading our message throughout the Province of Ontario and Michigan, through print, electronic media and television. This year Bon Soo is excited to be celebrating its 45th Anniversary and looks forward to many NEW and EXCITING Partnerships. Together we create History!"

"The funding will boost the organizer's message throughout Ontario and beyond," said Ontario Minister of Tourism Peter Fonseca. "Events like Bon Soo generate revenue every year and increase tourist flow in the province leading to a better, stronger Ontario."

Bon Soo is among a growing number of Ontario events and festivals sponsored under the Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation's Tourism Event Marketing Partnership Program. By assisting local organizations to showcase their events to the people of Ontario and our neighbours, OTMPC encourages increased tourism and strengthens Ontario's tourism industry.

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