Bruce and Boomer's goodbye party moves to bigger venue

Two CBC personalities now have a larger venue to say goodbye to Islanders the send-off party for Bruce Rainnie and Kevin "Boomer" Gallant has been moved to the Eastlink Centre in Charlottetown.

• Calling all Island kids: Show us your best Bruce and Boomer impressions
• How you can say goodbye to Bruce and Boomer

The date and time for the gathering remain the same Thursday April 27 with the duo showing up after Compass, at 7:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome and admission is free.

"We want to make sure we have enough room for everyone, and the response has been pretty overwhelming," said Compass show producer TracyLightfoot, after CBC began receiving feedback from the public on the number of people who planned to attend.

'Very thankful'

"We don't want to disappointanyone," said station manager Jim Ferguson, noting the doors open at 5:30 p.m. Compass will be shown on a big screen starting at 6 p.m.

Bruce's brother Matt Rainniewill host the evening. Bruce and Boomer will join him on stage at 7:30 to chat about some of their memories over the years, with some video highlights prepared by Lightfoot. People will have a chance to shake hands and say goodbye as well.

"We're very thankful to CBC P.E.I. for allowing us to have such a special farewell," said Rainnie. "I'm looking forward to saying goodbye to as many people as possible."

"The more the merrier," added Gallant.

• Boomer Gallant to retire from Compass in April
• Bruce Rainnie to leave Compass in April

Rainnie has been host ofCBC News: Compassfor the past 13 years. Gallant has been the show's weather specialist for 31 years. They will both be leavingApril 28.

Rainnie has accepted a job as the executive director of the Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame. Gallant is retiring.

• MORE P.E.I. NEWS IProvince investigating sand removal from beach in Tignish
• MORE P.E.I. NEWS I'Lawyers have to get involved': Derelict buildings in Miscouche face demolition