The F1 circus is in town! Until race day, numerous activities are held throughout the city. As was the case for the past 10 years, the Crescent Street Merchants Association is organizing a big festival.

It's estimated that about 450,000 people hit Crescent during the GP. For 2008, a larger number of visitors are expected due to the very exciting event schedule.


The festival kicked off yesterday at noon. Honda Racing F1 Team drivers Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello attended the inaugural ceremony.

Various shows and animations will take place on Crescent Street until the wee hours of Saturday night. Many artists will perform before fans on the Budweiser stage; there will even be a tribute to U2 and Madonna.

Also, the Formula Atlantic car driven by Gilles Villeneuve is on display at the Gilles-Villeneuve Museum stand.

Meanwhile, Honda is showcasing several cars, including one from the American Le Mans Series (ALMS). The automaker will also hold a special auction at 5:00 p.m. on Friday. Among the items to bid on will be a race outfit signed by Jenson Button, a CBR125RR bike, two tickets for Céline Dion's next concert at the Bell Centre as well as various auto racing memorabilia signed by F1 drivers.


Photo Credit : Matthieu Lambert