STARS OF STAGE, SCREEN AND ICE USHER IN THE HOLIDAY SEASON IN BRYANT PARK

NEW YORK, NY - November 28, 2007-- The Canadian Tourism Commission helped New York get into the holiday swing of things with a star-studded tree lighting event at The Pond at Bryant Park, presented by Citiâ on Tuesday evening, November 27^th.  “Holiday in Bryant Park” treated thousands of New Yorkers and visitors on-site --- and countless more at home in a special WCBS-TV live broadcast --- to an unforgettable seasonal celebration. 

The ever-versatile triple threat duo of Ben Vereen and Bebe Neuwirth headlined a roster of entertainers that included some of the hottest performers on Broadway today as well as a collection of some of the most electrifying skating champions ever to jump, spin or dance their way to world championship and Olympic glory.

Of course, no star shined brighter or stood taller than the evening’s true standout courtesy of the Canadian Tourism Commission -- the 50-foot Balsam Fir Tree that added a glorious dash of color and sparkle to the city’s legendary holiday landscape.  Hailing from Quebec, this year’s tree features a 20-foot canopy and weighs in at a whopping 1,500 pounds.  The tree has been spectacularly decorated by Canadian design guru Brian Gluckstein, using 3,000 snowflakes, stars, starbursts and twig lights along with 30,000 white lights and a 7-foot 3-D star at the top surrounded by white doves.

“The Pond at Bryant Park is quickly becoming a holiday tradition in New York, which we are delighted to support for a third straight year," said Susan Iris, Vice President, U.S. for the Canadian Tourism Commission.  "This season there are so many reasons to visit, and the Canadian Tourism Commission is proud to offer some unique and fun Canadian experiences for everyone to enjoy."    

WCBS-TV (Channel 2) anchors Chris Wragge and Kristine Johnson served as the evening’s hosts, joined by weathercaster Lonnie Quinn.  Adding to the event’s Broadway star-power was stunning Tony nominee Kelli O’Hara (set to star in the upcoming revival of “South Pacific”), Drama Desk-Award-winner Norm Lewis from the hit Disney show “The Little Mermaid,” “Mama Mia’s” Carolee Carmello and the cast of the new Broadway sensation “In the Heights.” The Three Graces, blended their various backgrounds in Opera, Pop and Broadway in a performance that resonated through the park.

Skating fans were treated to a special lineup of greats from the Smucker’s Stars on Ice Tour.  Leading this parade of champions was former World Champion and six-time U.S. Champion Todd Eldredge.  Other highlights   included three-time National Pair Champions and World Championships Bronze medalists Kyoko Ina and John Zimmerman; six-time Canadian Champion and eight-time British Champion Jennifer Robinson, two-time World Silver Medalists Marie-France Dubreuil and Patrice Lauzon and The Haydenettes, 2007 National Champions and America’s Synchronized Skating Team.

Adding sweet holiday sounds and a healthy dose of hometown pride was the performance and accompaniment of the 28-member student choir from New York’s highly acclaimed Talent Unlimited High School.

The event was a star studded jump-start to the Big Apple’s holiday season and ended with hundreds of skaters on the ice. 

Citi is the presenting sponsor of The Pond at Bryant Park, presented by Citi®, enabling the only free ice-skating rink in Manhattan.  The Pond is also supported by the Canadian Tourism Commission, presenters of Celsius: A Canadian Lounge; American Airlines, the Official Airline of The Pond; Weatherproof® Garment Company, The Official Outerwear Provider for The Pond; Beringer Wines, The New York Rangers, AMNY and WCBS-TV.

For more information on The Pond at Bryant Park, presented by Citi®, visit www.ThePondatBryantPark.com or call 866-221-5157.

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