Torch relay arrives in city on Friday at 10:36 a.m.

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BY KRIS MCDAVID
Times & Transcript Staff

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MIRAMICHI - If Monday night's raucous welcoming of the Olympic Torch to Metro Moncton is any indication, Miramichiers can expect to feel the full effects of Olympic fever by the time the flame reaches the river on Friday.

The torch starts its Mighty Miramichi leg bright and early on Friday morning, weaving its way through river communities such as Boiestown, Doaktown and Blackville before being delivered to Miramichi for its two-part celebration.

Miramichi's relay will begin in the former town of Newcastle at 10:36 a.m. near the intersection of King George Highway and Hennessy Street before heading down Pleasant Street, around the town square and back up Pleasant Street where the Newcastle portion of the event will wrap at about 11 a.m.

The flame will then be hustled across the river into the former town of Chatham where the relay will continue on University Avenue at 11:09 a.m., making its way along Victoria Avenue and up Henderson Street to James M. Hill High School where the bulk of the celebrations are scheduled to take place beginning at 11:20 a.m.

A cauldron lighting ceremony performed by the city's mystery torch bearer, speeches and several musical performances which will focus on the rich heritage of the Miramichi will greet what local organizers are hoping will be an enthusiastic audience of over 5,000.

Performers include: Ian Baillie Primary, Blackville Girls School Choir featuring Susan Butler, Chaffrail, Michel Savoie, Colleen Barry and School District 16 primary students, George Paul, Carrefour Beausoleil School Choir with Rachel Bernard to narrate, Landry School of Dance with Paul McGraw to narrate, Nelson Doyle Dancers, Mathilda Murdock and Owen Murdock with Sarah Hayward to narrate.

City tourism director Peter Murphy said yesterday that people attending the ceremony are being asked to use the entrance near the Lord Beaverbrook Arena to allow the expected 60 busloads of children access to the front of the stage.

The Olympic Flame will then travel down Henderson Street to Wellington Street, turning onto King Street and then onto Water Street in the Historic Chatham Business District before making its way to John Street and across the Centennial Bridge to the Douglastown finish line at around 12:45 p.m.

Miramichi Police Force Supt. Randy Hansen said traffic will be restricted on Victoria and Henderson Streets from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. to make way for the torch relay.

The Centennial Bridge will also be closed for about 20 minutes while the flame traverses the span and motorists are urged to plan accordingly.

Hansen said traffic will also be restricted in other areas as the torch passes through and police are also asking motorists not to park their vehicles on any of the streets included in the relay route.

Meanwhile, officials with the Historic Chatham Business District are inviting all local torch relay participants to join in Friday's Christmas Parade of Lights, with those interested being asked to phone Mavis Williamson at 773-1007 to confirm their attendance.

After the Olympic Flame exits Miramichi, it will travel up Route 11 and into Esgenoopetitj First Nation.

This portion of the relay will start at the corner of Route 11 and Micmac Road at 1:15 p.m., ending at Louis Road at about 1:30 p.m.

The relay will then enter the village of Neguac at that time before finishing at the corner of Rue Principale and Egbert Road at around 1:56 p.m. and heading onward into the communities of the Acadian Peninsula.