STORY:
Y2K Concerns Cancel Floating Celebration

Floating New Year's Eve party would have been above the Great Barrier Reef

A floating millennium party which was to have been staged on a platform above the Great Barrier Reef has been cancelled because organizers believe party goers are worried about the computer Y2K bug. The exclusive $2,000-a-head celebration was to have been held on Agincourt reef off Port Douglas in far north Queensland on New Year's Eve.

But according to press reports, cancelled bookings due to Y2K fears and "outrageous" rates for bar staff have led organizers to pull the plug on that idea.

Preparations began in April and about 80 people had already paid for a berth aboard the floating venue, which would have featured U.S. entertainer Marty Rhone draped in silver say organizers. They had planned to ship a giant grand piano onto the pontoon on the outer edge of the reef, about 80 kilometers from Port Douglas, and the pontoon was to have been wrapped in gold and black ribbon.

Organizers say concerns regarding the computer Y2K problems are reducing the number of travelers to the area. Plus, Queensland labor-for-hire companies could not guarantee staff for the party with casual bar staff asking for $2,000 per hour if they do work.

Brisbane Australia has also cancelled its New Year's Eve events because of Y2K concerns.

DATE: 8/24/98

For more E2000 stories, click here:
news | events | Y2K | today's news

Marketplace
Books
Collectibles
Celebration Supplies
General Merchandise
Travel Packages