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Press Release
June 2, 2003

Blackfly bash celebrates history in the making at Algonquin Park.

Retracing the steps of one of Canada's most famous artists, or taking the very first steps on Algonquin Park's newest hiking trail, are just two of the options available for participants in the 2003 Blackfly Bash.

The annual launch of the tourist season will once again be hosted by the Ottawa Valley Tourist Association (OVTA), this year in cooperation with the Achray visitor centre in Algonquin Park.

"We're very excited about it," says Marilyn Alexander, OVTA president. "Algonquin Park is a world-class tourist draw, and a great place to celebrate this important local business sector."

This year's Blackfly Bash, complete with one human-sized blackfly, will take place on Thursday (June 5). Approximately 50 guests are expected for the event, which features a variety of fun activities as well as the annual presentation of OVTA hospitality awards.

"There are a number of highlights this year," says Alexander. "The awards, of course, are always a chance for our association to honour the excellent work done by our local tourism operators. That will be combined with some very exciting developments at Achray."

Guests will witness the ribbon-cutting and official opening of "Out-side In" - the cabin where Tom Thomson, the inspiration to Canada's famous Group of Seven, was posted as a fire marshal in 1915 and 1916. The cabin has been restored and now includes a number of interpretive panels explaining the significance of Algonquin Park and the area to the Group of Seven artists and their works.

Later in the day, participants will be part of another official opening. The Jack Pine Trail, a new hiking venue in the park, will be unveiled and dedicated.

Members of the public are welcome to attend the Blackfly Bash and learn more about the Ottawa Valley Tourist Association. A fee of $15.00 covers lunch and all activities. Anyone interested in attending is asked to phone the OVTA at 732-4364 or 800-757-6580.

(For more information, contact Marie White, Special Projects Coordinator, Ottawa Valley Tourist Association, 732-4364.)

Blackfly BBQ Bash
Achray Park
Thursday, June 5, 2003
11am to 3pm

Agenda for Presenters

11:00	Registration Guests are directed to the grounds adjacent to the Out-side In for the Grand Opening
11:30	Opening of the Out-side In, Tom Thomson’s cabin Speakers are directed to the Porch
11:30	OVTA President Marilyn Alexander – Introduction
11:35	Sean Conway, MPP - Greetings
11:45	OVTA President Marilyn Alexander – Introduction
11:50	John Winters - Welcome
12:00	OVTA President Marilyn Alexander – Introduction
12:10	George or Brian, Friends of Algonquin Park
12:15	Ribbon Cutting OVTA President Marilyn Alexander welcomes guests to enjoy lunch at the Achray Theatre
12:20	Lunch at the Achray Theatre
12:55	Algonquin Park Video (4 minutes)
1:00	Hospitality Awards begin and… are interrupted
1:00	Arrival of the Blackfly (skit)
1:20	Hospitality Awards resume
1:30	OVTA President Marilyn Alexander offers guests to partake in an interpretive hike to the Jack Pine Trail (1km) Interpretive Hikes Begin (groups)
2:00	Unveiling of the Jack Pine Trail and Dedication Plaque Algonquin Park Staff John Winters and Rick Stronks invite Dr. Clappison to say a few words
2:10	Dr. Clappison, Donor
2:20	John Winters and Rick Stronks offer Closing Comments. Please stay and enjoy the Park for the remainder of the day. Hike the Barron Canyon Trail (1.5 km), or the Lake Berm Trail (4.5 km). Thank you for coming.
3:00	Departures

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