To mark the start of the new millennium, the International American Women's Club of Bermuda will host a Millennium Fair tomorrow.

The unique event will take over the lobby, main floor, auditorium and the La Coquille restaurant at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute.

IAWC spokesperson, Eve Finnbogason, said the fair will feature demonstrations, information booths, food and plenty of fun.

"This is the first time we have done something like this,'' Ms Finnbogason said. "We decided that for the millennium we would try something different.

"We will have on-going demonstrations throughout the day which will include yoga, self defence, flower arranging, bonsai and much more,'' she said.

"There will also be information tables on such topics as financial planning, personal organising, children's educational materials and travel in the year 2000.

"The Aquarium Museum and Zoo, the Bermuda Film Festival, the BUEI and Logic will also have demonstrations and information on classes.'' For the $30 admission, attendees will enjoy a delicious La Coquille lunch and have a chance at winning one of the fantastic door prizes.

"Most of the exhibitors have donated door prizes,'' Ms Finnbogason pointed out.

Anyone interested in attending the 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. fair must RSVP to 291-6292.

The International American Women's Club of Bermuda was founded in 1981 by ten women who envisioned a club that would be international in scope and promote intellectual growth, encourage social fellowship and provide service to the community.

The club adopted an American concept so as to serve as a `melting pot' and bring together women from all over the world to share a common goal.

Nineteen years later, the IAWC is thriving with 258 members from 22 countries, aside from Bermuda.

The club hosts a variety of activities including New Islander programmes where new residents gather to meet in members homes and have `field trips' around the Island.

The IAWC hold monthly luncheon meetings where local speakers educate members about Bermuda's needs and highlight opportunities to provide volunteer service.

The club also offers members a wide range of activities ranging from sports to arts and crafts.

"There are two very active book clubs and two bridge groups,'' she said.

"Members participate in a weekly golf clinic and a monthly golf tournament at St. George's Golf Club.

"The gourmet club prepares monthly dinners and shares foods from many nations. The needlework group has made lovely quilts that have been raffled as a fund raising event.'' Profits from raffles and other sales benefit the club's philanthropy committee.

The club's biggest philanthropic fund raiser has been its popular annual art exhibition.

The event was launched four years ago when a new member started a painting group and later showcased the group's talent at the Edinburgh Gallery in City Hall. The exhibition has snowballed into the club's major fund raiser.

Last year the IAWC raised $15,000 which was distribute to six local charities.

International outlook: The IAWC executive committee (back row) Kate Schofield, Anne Steneker, Wendy Gray, Mary Witt, Elspeth Bergen, Jennie-Lee O'Donnell, (front row) Barb Sullivan, Jane Kline, Jan Hawkins.