**CITY OF TIMMINS NEWS RELEASE**

As reported by local media from a report going to Council May 7, Stars and Thunder ticket sales have seen a significant jump in April, and the City of Timmins wants to thank all those supporting what promises to be an exciting eight days.

“We are thrilled to have seen so many people take advantage of the early bird pricing, with an impressive 2,086 tickets sold in April alone,” said Mayor Steve Black. “While ticket sales are not as high as they were at this time last year, we remain optimistic that this year’s event will be a great success. The business community has come forward, showing incredible support for the festival, and the food vendors promise not to disappoint.”

Sponsorships have more than doubled from 2017, seeing $455,250 in cash contributions (compared to $151,250 in 2017), and $654,000 worth of in-kind contributions (compared to $650,000 in 2017).
The City would like to recognize the following sponsors:

Cash Sponsors: Goldcorp – Porcupine Gold Mines (Title Sponsor); UP Cannabis; Northern Fencing, Miller Paving, Caron Construction; CAT, Certarus, Union Gas; Fireworks Sponsor Group (Debastos and Sons, Fountain Tire, Kerr Crane, Pizza Hut, PBL Insurance, Provost Roofing, Eclipse Financial, Rubino Trucking, Mikey’s General Sales, Timmins Garage, Pro Pipe, Nasco/Northern Allied, Miller Paving, Realty networks Inc., Sling Choker, Toromont, Panels and Pipes, Lacroix Plumbing, John’s Neon Signs, Riopelle Group, The Bucket Shop Group/Steel Tec, Linex, CGV Construction, Microtel, R.A. Recyclers, Urban Windows and Doors, United Rental); Caisse Populaire-LaRonde; College Boreal; INEOS Calabrian; Workforce North; New Tin Shop; BMT; Pepsi; and the Venture Centre

In-Kind Sponsors: Moose FM; Timmins Daily Press; Rogers Radio (Kiss 99.3 and 92.1 Rock); CTV and First Student; le Loup FM; CAT, Certarus, Union Gas; Panels and Pipes; MNP; Equipment North; Cedar Meadows; Hampton Inn, Microtel; Ramada; Senator; Super 8; Travelodge; DyNaat; and I-Vision

The Stars and Thunder working committees are also excited to see 16 food areas being set up this year, as opposed to last year’s total of six food areas. Featured foodies from Timmins, Onaping, Thunder Bay, Foleyet, Sudbury, Manitouwadge, Englehart and London will be serving up delicious easts and special treats, promised to satisfy everyone’s palate.

This year, the Urban Park in Downtown Timmins will be expanded to include a Stars and Thunder Village. Running from Monday, June 25 to Friday, June 29, the Village will include inflatables, rock wall, a rope climber, busker performances, mini putt and local musicians. The free activities will move to another site for Canada Day, with a location to be determined.

If you haven’t already, purchase your tickets online at www.starsandthunder.com or by visiting our friendly staff at the Tax Counter here at City Hall during regular business hours.