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By The Daily Gleaner

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A community celebration will greet the arrival of the Olympic Torch Relay to Fredericton on Nov. 25.

"We are one of 10 New Brunswick communities - and one of only 200 across Canada - selected by the 2010 Olympic Games organizing committee to host a special celebration ceremony as the Olympic Torch Relay passes through our community on its way to Vancouver," said Coun. David Kelly, chairman of the celebration organizing committee.

"This is going to be a fun-filled evening for the whole family and we encourage everyone to attend this unique celebration of the Olympic spirit."

The two-hour Fredericton celebration in Officers Square will begin at approximately 6 p.m. on Nov. 25.

The flame will be passed from person to person as it makes its way through city streets. The route that the flame will take through the city will be announced by the Vancouver organizing committee on Nov. 11. The torchbearers were selected last summer in a contest run by the 2010 Olympic Games main sponsors: RBC and Coca-Cola.

The Fredericton celebration with the flame will feature live local entertainment, showcasing Fredericton's diverse cultures. Federal, provincial and municipal leaders will join representatives of the Vancouver Games organizing committee on stage. The list of local entertainers will be announced soon.

The 2010 Olympic Torch Relay began in Olympia, Greece, on Oct. 22. It was lit at sunlight in a traditional ceremony in the ruins of an ancient Greek temple. After travelling across Greece, it was flown to Canada on Oct. 30 and the 106-day, 45,000-kilometre journey from coast to coast is underway.

The flame will be carried by 12,000 torchbearers through 1,000 Canadian communities in every province and territory.

The relay is designed to inspire and engage Canadians as it makes its way to Vancouver for the opening of the Winter Games on Feb. 12.

"We have created an Olympic Torch community celebration web page on the City of Fredericton website at www.fredericton.ca where we will post the latest information," said Kelly. "We have also created a community Facebook page where you can share your photos, videos and messages. You can also follow us on Twitter. This is going to be an event you won't want to miss."