Christchurch celebrates Antarctic Season opening | infonews.co.nz New Zealand News

Christchurch enjoys a very special milestone this weekend – as the 2011/12 Antarctic Season commences, the city commemorates not only the 100th anniversary of Captain Robert Falcon Scott’s legendary expedition to the South Pole, but a renewed international commitment to Christchurch as a gateway to Antarctica, despite the recent earthquakes.

Each year, Christchurch plays host to the United States and Italian Antarctic programmes, who use the city as their logistics hub. Combined, these programmes directly contribute $88 million to the Canterbury economy.

Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker says it is an honour that these programmes remain committed to Christchurch despite the damage the city has sustained.

“We are doing all we can to welcome these international guests back to Christchurch and to ensure they continue to enjoy the southern hospitality we have become famous for.”

As part of this year’s celebrations, Christchurch residents will get to witness a dramatic flyover on the afternoon of Friday 30 September of the US Air Force C 17 Globemaster plane, which will transport expeditions to and from Antarctica this coming season.

The aircraft will perform a “wing rock” as it passes the ChristChurch Cathedral – a symbolic tribute from the US Air Force to the strength and resilience of Christchurch.

The public is invited to explore the plane, one of the world’s largest, with an open day at Christchurch International Airport on Saturday 1 October from 10.30am to 12.30pm.

Visitors are encouraged to bring a can of food, which will be donated to the Salvation Army and the Christchurch City Mission, in exchange for entry to the open day.

The season opening celebrations wrap up with the annual South to Antarctica Service at 11am on Sunday 2 October. The event, which is usually held in the ChristChurch Cathedral, will this year be led by Dean Peter Beck at Christ’s College Chapel, followed by a wreath-laying in memory of Captain Scott and others who have lost their lives in Antarctica.