STORY:
Calgary Making Plans For Big 2000 Bash

City looking for money to support concerts, firework displays

Organizers of Calgary's millennium committee have presented plans to city leaders for one of the largest Canadian New Year's Eve celebrations. On the other hand, there is not enough money to stage all the events unless the government helps out say organizers.

Calgary 2000 is reportedly in negotiations with Country Music Television to sponsor the main stage and the New Year's Eve entertainment program. The show would feature country and western singer Michelle Wright and Calgary's fiddler group Barrage. Buskers and fireworks would also be part of the show.

Plans also call for fireworks shows at Stampede Park, Heritage Park and possibly Burns Stadium.

According to the Calgary Herald, Calgary 2000 has raised only $100,000 (CDN) of the $535,000 (CDN) needed to stage the celebration. City leaders are considering a contribution of cash and city services totaling $265,000 (CDN) but that may not be enough say organizers.

Organizers reportedly say more than 300 companies have been contacted for possible sponsorships but the fund-raising efforts have, with one exception, met with little success to date.

Calgary has staged the popular and alcohol-free First Night celebrations in the past, but ended the practice after running into fundraising problems.

DATE: 07/22/99

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