‘Sexiest man alive’ meets new Maid
Posted By MAKI BECKER, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
People magazine may have named him “Sexiest Man Alive” twice, but even Brad Pitt looked a little goofy in his blue Maid of the Mist poncho.
The superstar actor was in Niagara Falls on a picture-perfect afternoon to take in the sights of the world-famous cataracts Saturday, the Buffalo News reports on its website.
In tow were two of his sons, Maddox and Pax; his parents, Bill and Jane, and his bodyguards. The group enjoyed the attractions while remaining relatively under the radar.
Not with them was Pitt’s equally famous partner, Angelina Jolie, who has been filming the thriller “Salt” in Albany.
“He was looking good,” sighed a star-struck Melissa Harris, 17, of Niagara Falls as the hunky actor rushed past her. (more..)
Festival lights the sky A MAGICAL START TO CHRISTMAS
Posted By JOHN LAW , REVIEW STAFF WRITER
It didn’t feel a lot like Christmas, but the Winter Festival of Lights made the most of it on a rainy opening night Saturday.
Under a steady downpour, a soggy crowd at Queen Victoria Park sat through an hour of speeches, Christmas carols and magic acts before Disney favourites Goofy and Pluto flipped the switch to officially open the 26th annual festival.
At that point, everyone dropped their umbrellas to check out a city transformed. For the next two months, more than a million visitors are expected to take in more than 120 animated displays and three million lights, making this one of North America’s biggest illumination festivals. (more…)
Festival set to shine lights across city
Posted By RAY SPITERI , REVIEW STAFF WRITER
Music, magic and Walt Disney characters will be the order of the day this weekend in Niagara Falls as the Winter Festival of Lights kicks off its 26th year.
Opening ceremonies take place Saturday with a free outdoor stage show in Queen Victoria Park.
Beginning at 5 p. m., the festival of lights choir, under the direction of the Ontario Conservatory of Music, will sing a selection of holiday classics.
Greg Frewin, regarded as an international grand champion of magic, will perform, as well as Seussical featuring “Cat in the Hat” and “Horton Hears a Who,” and the Smudge Fundaes with the Winter Festival of Lights mascots, The Misty Kids. (more…)
Grand Dinner Theatre has new home -and great view
Posted By JOHN LAW , REVIEW STAFF WRITER
Christmas has come early for the Niagara Falls Grand Dinner Theatre.
The company brings back an old favourite in a new location this weekend, kicking off the next era for the award-winning theatre.
Tom Dudzick’s Christmas play “Greetings” won a Niagara Misty Award when it was last staged in 2001 at Queenston Heights Restaurant. Only appropriate it’s the first show at Edgewaters inside Queen Victoria Place, says co-owner Diane Harris-Wakeling.
“We’re over the moon,” she says. “We thought it was only fitting that we do our first show at the new venue with our all-time favourite (show).”
Harris-Wakeling, along with husband Cam and business partners Peter Borys and Ron Shafir, purchased the Niagara Grand Dinner Theatre last year. Shortly after receiving the keys, a new home became necessary when the Niagara Parks Commission decided to close the Queenston Heights Restaurant during the winter month (more…)
Parks, businessman spar over boat tours
Georgia man wants to replace Maid of the Mist
Posted By COREY LAROCQUE , REVIEW STAFF WRITER
An Atlanta, Ga. businessman wants to bust up Maid of the Mist’s monopoly on boat tours and is upset the Niagara Parks Commission dismissed his interest in replacing the historic tour company.
But parks commission management said he’s “full of hot air.”
It’s the second time this year a private company has claimed it was turned away by the parks commission after asking about how to take over the lease the Maid of the Mist Steamboat Co. has with the parks commission.
The secretive way the parks commission awards contracts prompted local businessman Bob Gale, a member of the commission, to file a complaint with Ontario’s integrity commissioner in the summer. It’s still under investigation. (more…)
Classic rockers ringing in new year at falls
Supertramp’s Roger Hodgson, Kim Mitchell headline popular concert
Posted By JOHN LAW REVIEW STAFF WRITER
Classic rock will ring in the new year in Niagara Falls. Just like last year.
Former Supertramp singer Roger Hodgson and Canadian cornerstone Kim Mitchell will headline the annual free New Year’s Eve concert at Queen Victoria Park.
Young country singer Justin Hines rounds out the lineup, announced last week by the Niagara Parks Commission, who will once again partner with the city, the Fallsview Tourist Area, Ontario Lottery Gaming and other private sector businesses.
Last year’s New Year’s Eve had an ’80s flavour with Honeymoon Suite, Loverboy and Dennis DeYoung of Styx.
It was one of the most well-received New Year’s shows in years.
The combination of Mitchell and Hodgson will keep the oldies vibe going.
Mitchell had a strong run in the ’80s with Canadian rock hits like “Go For Soda,” “Patio Lanterns” and “Rock and Roll Duty.” (more…)
Niagara Falls Video of the Day: Niagara’s Fury Revealed
From Youtube user: NiagaraFury
Added: May 16, 2008
“Niagara’s Fury is revealed. Watch the video for a preview of the upcoming Niagara’s Fury attraction coming this summer in Niagara Falls. Find out more at http://www.niagarasfury.com/”
Below is another related video:
Niagara’s Fury: The creation of the Falls, 4D Theatre
From Youtube user: faizcube007
Added: August 27, 2008
“Watch In High Definition Niagara Fall’s New Fury adeventure”
Niagara attractions among finalists for tourism awards
Posted By ALISON LANGLEY
Several local tourism operations are in the running for top awards by the Tourism Industry Association of Canada.
Thirty six companies and individuals have been selected as finalists in 12 categories for the 2008 National Awards for Tourism Excellence.
Great Wolf Lodge is up for the Delta Hotels New Business of the Year Award and the Niagara Parks Commission is one of three entrants in the Parks Canada Sustainable Tourism Award.
The awards recognize and foster Canadian tourism excellence.
The awards will be handed out Nov. 5 in Quebec as part of Canada’s Tourism Leadership Summit.
Majestic Monarchs at Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory
Posted By ALISON LANGLEY
As the days grow shorter and the temperatures cool, Monarch butterflies are preparing for an arduous journey that many won’t survive.
Up to a million of the winged insects will soon migrate from their Ontario summer home to a winter roosting site in the Sierre Madre mountains of Mexico.
In celebration of the journey about to take flight, the Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory is offering visitors a chance to participate in their expedition. (more…)
