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SHANIA CENTRE OPENS TODAY

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By CHRIS GILBERT
Timmins Times
June 30, 2001

It's time to pay homage to Shania Twain, country music's most beloved female artist. Today, at noon, the Shania Twain Centre will officially open its doors in Timmins to local, national and international fans of the songstress.

"We've noticed a huge increase in calls of people inquiring about the opening and ticket sales are taking off," said Will Saari, site manager of the Timmins Underground Gold Mine Tour, where the Shania interpretive centre is located. "There's no question people are getting excited."

Fueling the excitement of the centre's opening are rumours that Twain may make a surprise appearance at the $5 million facility dedicated to her accomplishments. Neither Saari or any other City officials could confirm Twain's presence in Timmins this weekend. He did say that "it is rumoured there could be some kind of acknowledgment by Shania on opening day. If that's the case, then the people who take the tour of the centre will see the message."

Ticket sales for the new Shania Twain Centre have peaked over 1,400, which is over half the amount made available. Saari stated he was happy with the sales of tour tickets, priced at $10 each. There's also the prospect that people attending the free celebrations outside of the centre this weekend will decide to have a tour of the state of the art facility.

"Certainly, it's a historic day for Timmins. The building itself is worth the price of admission. Nothing in Northern Ontario is of this calibre, it's just beautiful. And adding the exhibits and memorabilia, it's going to be a phenomenal thing for people to see."

Skepticism has washed over the city this week with many people spreading the belief that the centre will not be finished by the ribbon cutting ceremony Saturday at 11 a.m. Saari, however, had every confidence that when the doors open everything will be in place.

"Definitely, the centre will be done and the exhibits will be in place," he said. "As with any building of this magnitude there will be small adjustments to be made in the coming weeks, but this was expected."

Following the first VIP tour for politicians and City officials, a group from the United States, called the Shania Twain US On-line Fan Club will be the initial public group to enter the building. "They're from all over the US and it will mark the first time they all meet face-to-face," said Saari.

Also taking part in the Shania Time celebrations will be a number of fans from Switzerland, Great Britain and even Australia.

When a tour group, comprised of about 150 fans, enters the Shania Twain Centre they immediately step in the main foyer, which boasts a very impressive granite wall. To the right is a kiosk to purchase tickets for both the centre and the Gold Mine Tour as well as a gift shop. Beyond the kiosk is the entrance to the underground tour and a small bistro that will sell soup and sandwiches.

To the left of the main hall is the entrance to 'Shania Heaven'. Starting with the Hall of Inspiration, country fans are led through exhibits marking the humble beginnings of Twain's career, merchandise and clothing used in countless music videos, as well as a display case stacked with Grammy Awards, among others.

The tour culminates in the Multi-Media Theatre. By way of a jumbo screen, light show and special acoustic effects, fans are treated to Twain in concert.

As of today, the Shania Twain Centre will be open seven days a week in July and August, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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