By Sarah Mather
The bright lights, the roaring crowd and bone-crunching intensity are hallmarks of the biggest event in Canadian football: the Grey Cup. But before the players take the field, fans can get in on the action.
More than 40 events will be taking place over five days to celebrate Grey Cup 2004,
culminating in the big game on Nov. 21 at Frank Clair Stadium.
“Some of the events we think will be more popular are the parties [called] Rockin’ In The Capital,” says events organizer Monique Stone. She adds the events, collectively known as Kickin’ It In The Capital, will be focused around Lansdowne Park.
The Rockin’ In The Capital parties will be held at Lansdowne in the Aberdeen building on Nov. 18 – 20. They will feature live bands, fashion shows, autograph signings, a craziest fan contest and Mr and Miss CFL 2004 pageants.
Another event Stone anticipates will be popular is the Family Fun Day. This event, held on Nov. 20, will have family-oriented activities and entertainment, including face painting, a straw maze, player appearances and autograph signings, CFL dance teams and a fan rally.
The entire festival will kickoff Nov. 17 at City Hall. An exhibit of Ottawa’s football heritage will also be displayed in the City Hall Art Gallery.
Included with the other events will be the Fan Fest, from Nov. 17 – 20 at the Coliseum, which will offer interactive games and promises to be a “football experience.”
As part of the celebration for the 92nd Grey Cup, some Canadian musical talent will be showcased.Newfoundland’s Great Big Sea will perform at the Civic Centre on the evening of Nov.19. As well, the Tragically Hip will be playing during the game’s half time show.
The Ottawa Renegades will be hosting a VIP Grey Cup party in the Aberdeen building from noon to 6 p.m. on Nov. 21 and a post-game party will be held there from 6 p.m. to midnight.
Stone estimates about 110,000 people will participate in the events, including those from Ottawa and more than 52,000 tourists who will travel here from all over for the event.
“We’re anticipating a great festival,” says Arash Madani, director of media relations for the Ottawa Renegades.
This year organizers decided to scrap the Grey Cup parade in favour of a Family Fun Day due to scheduling conflicts and costs. However, those involved don’t see this as a drawback.
“I’ve heard a few complaints about not having the parade. But I think the events are a good solution,” says volunteer Diane Crocker. “People will be able to get more involved.”
Wilda Phillips, another Grey Cup volunteer, agrees that everyone should participate.
“It will be a great celebration and it’s a huge Canadian tradition. We haven’t had [the Grey Cup] here since ’88, so it’ll be a shame if people don’t take the opportunity to get involved.”