VirginiaBy Sana Keller
Vice-President, Communications
Discover America – Canada Committee

Your clients won’t want to miss out on the most important “one-of-a-kind” events happening in the U.S. in 2009. There are some very unique events that may peak their interest and start you planning early for their special trip. Whether they love family fun and big dreams, the arts or experiencing a different culture, there is an event close to home just waiting for them.

Tut-mania In Dallas
Tutankhamun made his Texas debut when Tutankhamum and the Golden Age of the Pharohs opened at the Dallas Museum of Art in October. The King Tut exhibition brings the Golden Age of the Pharaohs to life and includes an extensive array of more than 130 extraordinary artifacts from the tomb of Tutankhamun and other ancient Egyptian sites. The return of the exhibition to the United States will include a selection of artifacts that are new to the exhibit and have never before been seen outside of Egypt. The exhibit runs until May 2009. www.dallasmuseumofart.org.

Acrobats & Dinosaurs In Albuquerque
Gravity, momentum and other laws of physics mean little to the acrobats of the New Shanghai Circus, whose power and incredible elasticity defy logic, common sense and explanation. Contortionists, strongmen, trapeze artists, group bicycle riders and tightrope walkers take the stage complemented by an elaborate, colourful lightshow. The New Shanghai Circus will host two exclusive performances on January 25, 2009 at the Popejoy Hall at the University of New Mexico. www.popejoypresents.com.

The only Triassic Exhibit Hall in North America is at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science through December 2009. Dawn Of The Dinosaurs: Triassic New Mexico is dedicated to the plants and animals of the Triassic Period in New Mexico and around the world. The Triassic is a time that saw the extinction of many dominant reptiles and amphibians and the emergence of two significant evolutionary lines in Earth history – dinosaurs and mammals. Dinosaurs emerge as a distinct group of animals in the Late Triassic and go on to dominate the Earth’s terrestrial ecosystems until the Cretaceous impact extinction – over 160 million years ago. Mammals chug along in the underbrush during that time until the slate is cleared at the end of the Cretaceous, opening the way for what has been another amazing evolutionary success story. www.NMnaturalhistory.org.

Virginia Is For Lovers Gets Corny
Virginia’s iconic tourism slogan, Virginia is for Lovers is celebrating it’s 40th anniversary. Launched in 1969, Virginia is for Lovers is one of the most recognized and beloved tourism slogans in the world. At its core, Virginia is for Lovers represents a love of life and a passion for travel. The world's only “Virginia is for Lovers” corn maze located in Fauquier County beckons travellers and perhaps extraterrestrials to live passionately in Virginia in 2009. Patty Leonard of the family-owned Cows-N-Corn in Midland commissioned the giant maze as a tribute to Virginia’s iconic tourism slogan. The Virginia is for Lovers design takes the corn maze craze to the next level, weaving in and out of three-and-a-half hectares of golden corn stalks, navigating through the maze for an authentic travel experience found only in Virginia. www.virginia.org.

Busch GardensViva la Musica
Wondering what else there is to do at Busch Gardens other than riding a mammoth rollercoaster or experiencing the captivating and visually stunning Shamu show at Sea World? During March and April 2009 both SeaWorld and Busch Gardens will host Viva la Musica with live performances from award-winning Latin artists and the fiery flair of Hispanic heritage, including food. SeaWorld Orlando hosts the event Saturdays and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay hosts the event Sundays. www.buschgardens.com, www.seaworld.com.


To find out more about the Discover America – Canada Committee, attend a meeting or receive the bi-monthly newsletter, contact them by fax at (416) 352-5567, by e-mail at admin@seeamerica.ca or visit www.seeamerica.ca