http://www.niagara-gazette.com/siteS...085000000.html

GLYNN: ‘Regis & Kelly’ show to boost Niagara tourism

On a recent visit to Niagara Falls, Ont., Regis Philbin couldn’t believe his eyes.

Since he had been there 10 years ago, the city had changed dramatically: two gambling casinos; about eight more high-rise hotels; a world-class golf course, and a Butterfly Conservatory, among the additions.

This time, Philbin was in the spotlight at the Niagara Fallsview Casino and Resort; on the prior visit, he was the co-host for “Live with Regis and Kathy,” the ABC-TV show telecast from Oakes Garden Theater, which affords a breathtaking view of the American and Horseshoe Falls.

After his recent casino engagement, Philbin returned to the network studios in New York City and urged executive producer Michael Gellman to consider a return trip for the show to the Cataract City. “You won’t believe how that place has changed since we were there,” Philbin told the producer.

Gellman liked the idea and a short time later it was decided to take the show back to Oakes Garden Theater on May 22 and May 23. It’s now known, of course, as “Live With Regis and Kelly,” after Kelly Ripa replaced Kathy Lee Gifford.

“We had a great time when we last visited there,” Gellman said. “The people are terrific and the venue is beautiful. We can’t wait to make a return trip.”

“Unfortunately, most of the (3,000) seats in the outdoor theater are already gone,” said Sara Wood, public relations staffer for the Niagara Parks Commission, the official host for the show.

A block of reserved tickets will be given away in drawings and promotions to signal the start of another tourist season, Wood said.

While the stage might be set near Queen Victoria Park on the Canadian side, the television exposure — the syndicated show will be “live” to more than 200 markets — is bound to benefit the hospitality industry on our side of the river as well.

Falls, Ont., Mayor Ted Salci is excited about the prospects too. “Having such high caliber entertainment come to our city truly illustrates what a great place Niagara Falls is and it helps us to showcase the many wonders that our city has to offer,” Salci added.

Parks Commission Chairman Jim Williams said: “Viewers from around the globe will experience the majesty of Niagara, all the while being entertained by one of TV’s best-loved morning shows.”

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Thats funny, how come they didn't take them through Peirce Avenue?