15,279 Guests Celebrate the Ontario Science Centre's 40th Birthday

TORONTO , Sept. 28 /CNW/ - Forty years ago this past Saturday, 7,000 people made their way through the new, ground-breaking Ontario Science Centre. On its fortieth anniversary, over 15,279 people attended the Science Centre, making it the second-busiest day in the history of the much-loved attraction.

The Honourable David C. Onley, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, brought birthday greetings, along with MPP Laura Albanese Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Culture, and Kathleen Wynne , Ontario Minister of Education. Retired Canadian astronaut Dr. Dave Williams also made an appearance with his best wishes, while Members of the Toronto Children's Chorus sang Happy Birthday.

Three thousand free mini-cupcakes were consumed within the first two hours of the party. In addition, 2,600 slices of pizza, 1,600 hot dogs and 1,900 ice cream cups were among the food items enjoyed at only 69 cents apiece.

Partygoers were treated to six free screenings of the IMAX film North of Superior, signed a giant birthday card mural and collaborated with artist Victor Fraser in creating a huge work of sidewalk art in TELUSCAPE. Visitors participated in new exhibits and sought out old favourites. Children chased after foam bubbles shaped like the Science Centre's logo floating through the air.

The previous single-day attendance record was set in February 2006 when 17,624 people attended the BODY WORLDS exhibition over a continuous 24-hour period. An all-new edition of the blockbuster exhibition, Gunther von Hagens' BODY WORLDS & The Story of the Heart, is set to open October 9 .

The Ontario Science Centre's 40th Birthday Party was generously sponsored by TELUS and Pizza Pizza.

For further information: Christine Crosbie, Media Relations Officer, [phone], [email protected]; Ellen Flowers, Media Relations Officer, [phone], [email protected]