Mare Festival kicks off tomorrow

The annual Mare Mountain climbing festival initiated by Governor Olusegun Mimiko to boost tourism and promote skilled cultural values in Ondo State kicks off tomorrow, Thursday, 15 December, 2011 in Idanre.The State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mr Deji Falae who addressed the press on Sunday in conjunction with his Information and Strategy counterpart, Mr Kayode Akinmade disclosed that all hands have been put on deck at ensuring a successful and grand celebration of Mare Festival.Mr Falae revealed that the festival which would kick off tomorrow would also include marathonn race, arts, cultural display and entertainment.He disclosed that some of the professional mountain climbers invited by the Ondo State Government to participate in the Mare Festival have arrived Akure from Spain and South Africa.The commissioner also unfolded plans by the state government to mount a technical device either as a lift or a cable car to afford elderly people, an opportunity to get to the top of the mountain and see the old town on top of the rock.He said government had set $6, 000 as the prize for the winner of the mountain climbing, while the second place would get $4, 000 and the second runner takes home $2, 000.The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Kayode Akinmade said that the state had developed a strategy towards the development of the tourists' attractions across the state.He disclosed that Governor Olusegun Mimko's tourism agenda is to use tourism as an instrument to generate employment, create wealth, empower the masses and sustain the social and cultural values of the state.The commissioner said the festival had been packaged with the involvement and participation of the local people in order to make the 2011 festival a successful.
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