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Opening ceremony.

Organizers of the opening ceremony for Lanier Canoe: 2003 have recruited a regional cast of aerialists, musicians and dancers they believe will amaze spectators on the eve of the ICF Flatwater Racing World Championships on Lake Lanier. 

"It'll be a 'wow' show. From the moment the lights black out, you better fasten your seat belt," said Chee Ammen of Dharmaland Productions, the Washington, Ga., entertainment company contracted to stage the opening ceremony at the Georgia Mountains Center Sept. 10. 

Tickets went on sale last week at www.laniercanoe 2003.org. 

The entertainment gala will open the International Canoe Federation Flatwater World Championship, set for Sept. 11-14 at the Lake Lanier Olympic Center at Clarks Bridge Park. 

Athletes from 78 countries will be vying for slots in the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece.

In the works for about a year, the program will feature a cast of 110 performers, including Cirque du Soleil-type aerialists, Athens and Atlanta-area bands, the Gainesville Symphony plus local singers and dancers. 

"It's a very professional, world class event," said Sandra Bailey, chairperson of the opening ceremony committee. 

"It showcases our area, our music for the international community. It offers the best of gospel, the best of cloggers, the best of bluegrass" and more, said Bailey. 

She and Ammen described a custom-designed program woven together with music, choreography and aerialists, culminating with a surprise. 

They hinted they expect "the surprise" will stun spectators with a show-stopping climax to a suspenseful saga involving a character titled, "Wandering Girl," played by Nashville performing artist Eryn McHugh. 

Bailey contracted with Dharmaland to tailor the ceremony after she garnered input from focus groups and visited Seville, Spain, to watch opening festivities for world paddling championships previously held there. 

"I decided to hire a professional," she said. 

Ammen said the performance will appeal to an international crowd and is designed show the world the original talents of the Southeast. 

"Musically, it crosses the board," he said, from original percussion and classical to swing and bluegrass. 

Local performers, including Gainesville singer Mary Davis and clogging group "Keith Brady & Friends," are part of the cast. 

The ceremony will also give spectators opportunity to get acquainted with the athletes, who will enter the arena in a parade of flags. 

The competitors have worked 12 to 14 years to prepare for the athletic competition that could take them to the Olympics, said Connie Hagler, director of Lanier Canoe & Kayak Club, championship host.

"We wanted to inspire them, to give them the best so that they can give their best," Ammen said.

He expects the show will also ignite audiences and spill enthusiasm to the Lake Lanier Olympic Center for the four days of competition. 

By JANE HARRISON
The Times