May 03, 2009 - 02:26 PM

By Jennifer O'Meara

OSHAWA -- Forget Detroit, it'll be Oshawa Rock City if the folks at the Oshawa Centre have their way.

A kiosk set up in the mall from noon to 5 p.m. was working hard to push Oshawa to first place in the online voting contest that will determine where the 70s metal band plays its upcoming tour.

"We're just 600 votes behind first place -- that's it," said Oshawa City councillor Robert Lutczyk. "Everybody's getting on board. Now it's not about whether you like Kiss or don't like Kiss. This is about being number one."

The booth was wired so people could vote online, along with free face painting, Kiss memorabilia, free draws for a T-shirts and ballots to win a Gene Simmons Wii guitar skin.

The Sunday event wrapped up the 'Kiss in Oshawa Week' declared by Oshawa council.

"Everyone is excited. Around City Hall I've never seen the staff so excited and energized about anything," said Coun. Lutczyk.

He said the economic benefits for local businesses are expected to be over $1 million per night if the legendary band plays at the General Motors Centre.

It would be the most recognizable band to play at the three-year-old 6,500 seat venue.

"It's such an 'A' calibre show, if they come, and are successful, it'll attract other big acts. It's definitely a stepping stone," said Cortney Ager, GM centre marketing manager. "Once you get that guaranteed sellout show, you get excitement in the region. I think this will really help us move forward."

Oshawa is in second place in the voting on the social-networking site Eventful, behind Winnipeg and ahead of Sault Ste. Marie.

"I like Kiss and it'd be good for Oshawa to bring in some people from out of town," said Paul Thompson, who has already voted several times online.

Kiss is using the results to plan their upcoming North American tour. No one knows when voting will end so Kiss enthusiasts are encouraging everyone to cast their ballot at www.eventful.com/kiss.

"You have to take action," said Coun. Lutczyk. "We want to be number one, we want the gold, baby."

Fans can cast their votes at www.eventful.com/kiss.



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