MONTREAL, May 14 - You think you've seen it all? You're mistaken. Put some extra hold into that hairstyle of yours because the family tourist attraction par excellence now offers a whole lot of new thrills for the entire family. Indeed, the 37th season of the number one amusement park in Québec promises to provide an all-new experience.
As of its official season opener this coming May 17, La Ronde will offer visitors seven new attractions: the all-new Autos Tamponneuses (bumper cars), the Grand Carousel, the Manitou, the Tasses Magiques, the Toboggan Nordique, the Tour de Ville and the Vertigo. With these latest additions, La Ronde provides more than 40 rides and attractions allowing every visitor, whether reserved or daring, to discover new and unforgettable thrills.
"By proposing seven new rides in one season, a record number since the opening of the park in 1967, La Ronde reinforces its position as Québec's most popular tourist attraction and makes it the not-to-be-missed family entertainment destination for 2003," declared Len Turtora, Vice-President and General Manager of La Ronde, during the inaugural press conference held today.
In addition to the extra rides, a number of improvements and refurbishments were carried out on site during the winter - design, landscaping, signage, sanitary facilities, fencing and general decor - in order to maximize the comfort level of the facilities and offer La Ronde's visitors unparalleled value.
"Thanks to its exceptional location minutes from downtown Montréal, La Ronde represents a high-quality urban destination that most Quebecers can easily reach," noted La Ronde's Director of Marketing Pierre Bélanger.
Naturally, La Ronde's star attractions, such as Le Vampire, Le Monstre, Le Cobra, Le Boomerang, L'Orbite, La Pitoune and the various rides found in La Petite Ronde, complement the newcomers.
Concerts and Special Events
"With seven new rides, quality on-site entertainment and various promotional days and special events planned throughout the summer, La Ronde's 2003 season will be a highly-entertaining and memorable experience for all members of the family," added Mr. Bélanger. Among others, Marie-Chantal Toupin, Les Respectables and Tea Party will perform at the Jardin des Etoiles as part of the traditional Live Molson Dry Fridays.
Coca Cola will also present several events, including the Pyjama Party and the Family Opening Day. Planned May 31, the latter event will include the Mascots Rally and several activities for toddlers. An autograph session with band members of Aucun Regret and Défense Urbaine (Mix Mania) will take place in the afternoon. As part of this event, a special promotion will be organized such that winners will be able to not only meet the band members but also check out La Ronde's new rides with them.
The Mondial SAQ
From June 21 to July 30, 2003, La Ronde will present the 19th edition of the prestigious Montréal International Fireworks Competition, namely The Mondial SAQ. This internationally renowned event will find ten of the world's best pyrotechnic experts lighting up Montréal's skyline in sync to musical scores and much to the delight of fireworks fans. In addition, ten concerts will be presented at La Ronde's Jardin des Etoiles as part of the annual event, including performances by popular artists Mélanie Renaud, Nicolas Ciccone, Luck Mervil and Bob Walsh.
The Halloween Fright Fest
By popular demand, the Halloween Fright Fest will return to La Ronde for the second consecutive year. As a result, during each October weekend, Québec's number one amusement park will be immersed in a very creepy Halloween atmosphere. This year's line-up will include a very particular haunted house, fountains of blood, a zombie zone, mysterious characters and many new features.
Action at Fort Edmonton
Throughout the 2003 season, La Ronde's Fort Edmonton will be filled with a festive atmosphere thanks to a veteran team of street entertainers. Every day, a magician, a juggler or a balance expert will be on hand to entertain the western village's visitors with surprising and sensational performances.
High-Flying Stunts
The fantastic decor of the Agora des Hautes Voltiges will present four daily shows of breathtaking dives. Brilliantly interpreted by intrepid and colourful acrobats-cum-divers-cum-actors from Productions Haut-Vol, these extraordinary performances will be carried out inside the castle from a diving platform rising 90 feet above. These awe-inspiring acrobatics will be enhanced by special effects and a large variety of costumes and accessories. A highly colourful extravaganza!
La Petite Ronde
Of course, the Petite Ronde will continue to present a series of shows and activities for youngsters throughout the season. Every day, the endearing characters of Dous and Durs, will present L'Ile des Dous, a magical show where the ever popular Choubidou will encounter Verdur, an inhabitant of L'Ile des Durs, and try to save the singing flowers.
For the more active children who like to dance, the Petite Ronde will present the Big Mini Band's interactive concert during which Choubidou and Verdur will invite various characters of the Petite Ronde to join them and demonstrate their musical talent. Lastly, the tales of the Forêt enchantée de la marionnette Papidou will be told in an all-new setting. Recited in a quiet nook in the park, these fantastic legends will feature puppets, animals and mysterious insects for the youngest visitors!
Six Flags, Inc. is the world's largest regional theme park company. Through its subsidiaries, it owns and operates a total of 39 parks in North America and Europe. Six Flags parks serve 35 of the 50 largest metropolitan areas in the United States. Six Flags, Inc. is a publicly held corporation with corporate offices in New York City and Oklahoma City. The Company's stock trades on the NYSE under the symbol: PKS. | 