Arrival of the Olympic flame in Wagga Wagga on 16 August was celebrated with a stageshow, fireworks and festivities in Bolton Park.

The torch relay convoy wound its way into town that afternoon, and culminated with Olympian and local racehorse trainer Greg McDermott lighting the community cauldron before reported crowds of some 15,000 cheering and waving spectators.

Chosen to carry the flame on its final leg into town, Greg was an equestrian at the 1988 Seoul Games and is involved with today's Olympic contenders through his work at CSU's Equine Centre, running showjumping clinics for modern pentathletes and preparing horses for the event. He sparked the community celebrations just before 7pm when he lit the cauldron.

Director, writer and choreographer Ira Seidenstein was tasked with directing a show to present the diverse talents of Wagga people and welcome the Sydney 2000 Olympic Torch Relay.

As the new CSU lecturer in movement, acting and improvisation, Ira collaborated with local dance teachers - Leanne Nichol of the Wagga Wagga Academy of Ballet and Anne Supple of Riverina Unlimited Dance - to choreograph the 45-minute stage show.

The cast and crew included students of CSU's Acting for Screen & Stage and Design for Theatre & Television courses. The production involved almost 100 people including the Kapooka Army Band and members of the Wiradjuri Aboriginal community.