News Releases

• Fun-filled weekend includes shows, games, skating and fireworks every night
• Skate with The Montreal Alouettes, February 21
• BMO customers receive free perks at Festival

MONTREAL, February 9, 2010 - BMO Bank of Montreal is proud to be associated again this year with the MONTREAL HIGH LIGHTS Festival as the title sponsor of the BMO Bank of Montreal Celebration of Light.

"At BMO, we believe that a healthy society benefits from a vibrant and vigorous cultural, sports and community life," said Michel Jarry, BMO Bank of Montreal's Vice-President of Sales and Services. "Whether it's simply savouring the joys of winter, putting your taste buds to the test or listening to a musician perform, the important thing is to take part in the life of our community," added Mr Jarry.

"We encourage the public at large to attend the free outdoor activities of the BMO Bank of Montreal Celebration of Light, which will be held in the city's historic district, formed by Old Montreal and the Quays of the Old Port," Mr. Jarry continued. "Having put down roots in the heart of this district 193 years ago, we now have the pleasure of welcoming Montrealers and visitors as part of this delightful urban festival."

From February 18 to 21 and February 25 to 28, on the site of the BMO Bank of Montreal Celebration of Light, festival-goers will be able to enjoy:

• Various shows on the BMO Stage, including We Are Wolves, les Denis Drolet and other entertainers;
• The BMO Fun Fair, where they can play at game booths, take a ride on the BMO Ferris Wheel or bask in the warmth of the giant nomad tent;
• The BMO Skating Rink, the site of shows as well as workshops during which skating tips and advice will be dispensed, for one hour every day, by trainers from the Fédération de patinage artistique du Québec.

A new addition to the Festival in 2010, BMO Bank of Montreal will be the title sponsor of the BMO Fireworks. The firework display will illuminate Montreal's sky for 15 minutes for our great pleasure, everyday at 8 p.m. Afterwards, singers will perform on the BMO Stage, for instance Malajube will perform at the opening event on February 18.

Not to be missed this year, the Montreal Alouettes, champions of the 97th Grey Cup, and their cheerleaders will skate along with the public on February 21 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Earlier that day, from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., the first 150 BMO customers can join their favourite Alouettes players for a private autograph session. BMO customers, who present their debit or credit card, will have a unique opportunity to capture the moment by seeing and taking pictures of the Grey Cup. Since the access is limited, bracelets will be available the same day at the opening of the festival at the BMO Power of Blue Welcome Kiosk located near the skating ring.

Visit the Festival website for the schedule of activities at the BMO Skating Rink at www.montrealenlumiere.com

BMO Rolls Out the Blue Carpet for its Customers
"We are very enthusiastic about making it possible for festival-goers to benefit from the new BMO Power of Blue program, because this event is fully aligned with BMO's goal of delivering an exceptional customer experience," Mr. Jarry added.

BMO customers will be offered various free perks, including skate rentals, hot chocolate and coffee, when they present their BMO MasterCard or BMO debit card. BMO cardholders will be able to avail themselves of all these perks at the BMO Power of Blue Welcome Kiosk.

About BMO Financial Group
Since its founding in 1817 as Bank of Montreal, BMO Financial Group has supported the principles of community reinvestment and corporate and social responsibility to the communities it serves. In 2009, BMO Financial Group contributed more than $55 million in corporate donations, sponsorships and events in Canada, supporting thousands of communities, charities and non-profit organizations across the country.