LPWire: Disney brings Pooh Friendship Day back to Winnipeg

Disney brings Pooh Friendship Day back to Winnipeg

Walt Disney Canada today announced that Winnipeg has once again been chosen to play host to the 7th Annual Pooh Friendship Day, held this year on Sunday, August 17, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Assiniboine Park.

Pooh Friendship Day 2003 features entertainment for all ages performed on the main stage at the Lyric Theatre in the park. This year Norman Foote will take on the role as MC and Al Simmons returns as children's entertainer. Lyric Street Records country group, Chuck Wagon & the Wheels will entertain everyone with their incredible showmanship. The main stage show will include a live band and local dancers who will perform Disney themed music and Pooh dance numbers throughout the day.

In addition to events on the main stage, there will be numerous interactive Pooh-themed activities and entertainment offered. Winnie the Pooh returns as the star of the day and will be on hand with his friends Tigger, Eeyore and Piglet to spread the meaning of friendship to all in attendance.

"Winnipeg has had a wonderful, long-standing historical connection to Pooh's Friendship Day and it's our pleasure to bring the celebration back to the city to continue to spread Pooh's message of friendship in this community," said Sean Kay, managing director of Disney Consumer Products Canada. "We appreciate the incredible welcome we receive from the community, as well as the outstanding support provided by Partners in the Park and corporate sponsors like Manitoba Lotteries Corporation."

"Winnipeg is so fond of Winnie the Pooh, who has a special connection to our city," said Hartley Richardson, co-chair of the local Steering Committee for Pooh Friendship Day. "We are thrilled that Disney chose Winnipeg again for this year's festival and we are looking forward to another incredible day."

"Pooh is a favourite among the young and young at heart," said Gail Asper, co-chair of the Steering Committee. "With the support of the local community, our corporate sponsors and Partners in the Park, this will prove to be a wonderful day for the entire family."

In 1997, the United Nations named Winnie the Pooh the world's Ambassador of Friendship. Since then, the Walt Disney Company has held festivals in Australia, Japan, Mexico, the United States and Canada. 2003 marks the seventh year that Pooh Friendship day has been held in Canada and the fourth year in a row that it will be held in Winnipeg.

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 August 14, 2003
Source: Walt Disney Company (Canada)