What?! Replace the Wawa goose?!

NEWS RELEASE

MUNICIPALITY OF WAWA

**************************** Wawa mayor confident 50th celebration for final link of Trans-Canada will be a great success

Wawa Mayor Howard Whent on behalf of the 50th anniversary committee is confirming plans to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the completion of the final link (Ontario section) in the Trans-Canada Highway in Wawa.

Whent also indicated that the town will use the occasion to launch a fund-raising campaign with a minimum $500,000 target to replace Wawa's world famous Canada goose statue.

This Canadian tourism icon is well known throughout the country, North America and the world.

The present goose monument is aging and is now considered beyond sensible economic repair.

A new goose structure must take its place!

The 50th Anniversary committee has been coordinating efforts for some time, supported by Wawa Municipal Council and with the assistance of the Wawa Adjustment Committee and the Economic Development Corporation of Wawa.

On Friday, September 17 the Mayor is expecting a number of provincial and federal cabinet ministers to be in attendance at a re-enactment of the ribbon-cutting ceremony that took place 50 years ago.

The September 17, 1960 celebrations were attended by representatives from all levels of government and from around Lake Superior with over 4,000 cars lined up for the opening.

It is expected the two senior levels of government will be unveiling appropriate plaques to mark this golden anniversary.

Taking place at the Wawa Goose and Tourist Information Centre, the ceremonies will include speeches, unveiling of plaques, a heritage display and entertainment.

Friday evening, a reception and dinner is planned for the invited dignitaries and guests from the Superior East Region.

On Saturday, September 18 the plans include the start of the town's annual Fall Fair at the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre which will have activities for all age groups.

Other events include a classic/ antique/ hot rod car show and a parade to the Wawa goose site.

The parade will be led by the Sault Ste. Marie Royal Canadian Legion Pipes and Drum Band which was the same band that was in attendance during the September 17, 1960 ribbon-cutting ceremonies 50 years ago.

The mayor went on to say that the very popular Rick Mercer Report has given the organizing committee extremely positive indications that they are seriously contemplating attending the weekend festivities.

Rick Mercer is hoping to focus on the present goose's condition and its need for replacement, in addition to acknowledging the 50th anniversary of the Trans-Canada Highway and its many, many contributions to the provincial and Canadian economy.

It is expected that Rick Mercer will use his comedic flair to poke some fun at the town's unique name, the goose itself and the numerous stories associated with the goose from lonely hitch-hikers, weary students, inspired cross-Canada fundraisers, caffeine-addicted truckers and dynamic driving enthusiasts.

On Saturday evening The Lady Dunn Health Centre Hospital Foundation is planning a fundraising celebration dance at the Community Centre.

All profits will assist the foundation in its goals to ensure the Health Centre has adequate doctors, nurses and medical equipment to continue to provide quality services to the residents of Wawa and the communities in the Superior East Region.

The mayor indicated that two very popular out-of-town bands called Rusty McCarthy and Moondance will provide live entertainment and he expects a very large community turn out.

Things will continue on Sunday, September 19 with the artisan's tour and a possible golf tournament.

Fifty years ago, the Trans-Canada Highway was Canada's largest infrastructure program, equal in importance to the building of the Canadian Pacific Railway, now celebrating 125 years for which Wawa also played a role.

The organizing committee for this 50th Anniversary celebration is confident this will be one of the biggest town events in many years and encourages business owners, operators and residents in the community to get in the spirit and show our visitors our world famous Wawa hospitality.

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