The organizing Committee of the 2009 Ford World Men's Curling Championship, in partnership with United Way, Downtown Moncton Development, and the City of Moncton, celebrated 60 days until the Worlds with a huge ceremony in front of Moncton City Hall yesterday. "60 Sweeps to the World's" represents the 60 day countdown to the World Championships. The celebration included building a curling rink outside of City Hall. One of the local curling leagues, the Ben Lavigne Curling League, played their regular league games on this ice surface, from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

The official part of the festivities started at 11:30 a.m. The United Way of Greater Moncton and Southeastern New Brunswick Region recently announced that Moncton had won the United Way's annual tri-community challenge. As a result of Moncton's challenge win, and as per Mayor George LeBlanc's chosen task, Mayor Jean LeBlanc from Dieppe, and Mayor Clarence Swetland from Riverview swept the lobby of Moncton City Hall with curling brooms.

This was followed by the introduction of the Championship Mascot, Skip.

The flag of the last qualifying country, USA, was raised and their national anthem played.

Chairman Jim Lockyer officially announced the WORLD CURLING TATTOO MONDIAL. This is our very special Opening Ceremonies for the 50th anniversary of the Championship.

This was followed by a friendly curling competition between a team comprised of the 3 mayors, joined by the ex mayor of Moncton and past president of the Canadian Curling Association, Lorne Mitton, playing against a team of local media.