LPWire: Disney's Pooh and Friends Return to Winnipeg For Annual Pooh Friendship Day
Disney's Pooh and Friends Return to Winnipeg For Annual Pooh Friendship Day
"We'll Be Friends Forever, Won't We Pooh," said Piglet. "Even Longer," Pooh Answered.
The Walt Disney Company (Canada) Ltd. announced today that for the third year in a row, Winnipeg will be host to North America's only Pooh Friendship Day celebration, held on Sunday, August 18th in Assiniboine Park. The annual Winnipeg family festival celebrates both the meaning of friendship and the city's famous connection to the loveable bear, Winnie the Pooh.
"Given Winnipeg's historical connection, it is especially gratifying to once again bring Pooh Friendship Day to the city that represents Winnie the Pooh's namesake," says Allison Greer, Senior Marketing Manager, Walt Disney Canada. "The Province of Manitoba and the City of Winnipeg truly embody the message of friendship and Walt Disney Canada thanks them both for once again extending their hospitality and support to make Pooh Friendship Day an incredible success."
The one-day festival of friendship is packed with entertainment and activities for the entire family. This year, attendees will be treated to performances by:
- Canada's R&B diva -- Deborah Cox;
- Halifax's Country sensation -- Terry Kelly;
- Disney's own Toy Story 2 featured band -- Riders in the Sky;
- Children's entertainer -- Norman Foote;
- and hosted by MC's -- Sharon and Bram.
Adding to the fun, numerous interactive Pooh-themed activities and entertainment will be offered. In addition, Winnie the Pooh and his friends Tigger, Eeyore and Piglet will be on-site, spreading their special friendship message to everyone at Assiniboine Park.
This year marks the first time that Pooh Friendship Day will be opened with the raising of the first-ever Canadian Pooh Friendship Flag - a flag made up of a collection of drawings from children nationwide that represent what friendship means to Canadian kids. The Pooh Friendship Flag is the result of a contest organized by Walt Disney Canada, whereby kids from across Canada were challenged to draw, paint, collage or even write words that represent their idea of friendship. The flag will continue to fly in Assiniboine Park in Winnipeg throughout the year.
Although Winnie the Pooh has been around for decades, Pooh Friendship Day began in 1997, when the United Nations officially named Winnie the Pooh the world's "Ambassador of Friendship." Since then, the Walt Disney Company has held Pooh Friendship Days in Japan, Australia and the U.S., but it is most proudly celebrated in Canada. Disney Canada first celebrated Pooh Friendship Day six years ago in Winnipeg. Although Pooh Friendship Day has also been celebrated in Niagara Falls and Toronto, the Festival's permanent home is Winnipeg, Manitoba - home of the original "Winnie."
The Walt Disney Company (Canada) Ltd. is a regional operating company of the Walt Disney Company. Through merchandise licensing, the company brings the magic of Disney characters to families and children of all ages throughout Canada.
--Posted July 29, 2002
Source: Walt Disney Company
(Canada) Ltd.
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