The grassroots celebration, to be inaugurated through events in markets around the country, was created to herald the first day of spring - the unspoken first day of the bubble-blowing season.

Funrise Toy Corporation(R), the creators of The One and Only Gazillion Bubbles(R), is inviting meteorologists across the country to "blow the first bubbles of spring" and kick-off the National Bubble Week celebration in their hometowns through locally coordinated events held during the week of March 20.

To get each bubble celebration started, Funrise has distributed National Bubble Day kits, filled with all of the necessities for creating the world's best bubbles - "top secret" Gazillion Bubble Solution, the incredible 7 in 1 wand, fun facts about bubbles and a Gazillion Babbling Bubblers bubble toy.

On Saturday, March 19, Toys "R" Us Times Square, the Center of the Toy Universe(TM), will host the kick-off celebration of Funrise Toy's National Bubble Week and the launch of the 2005 line of Gazillion Bubble toys and accessories featuring a performance by world renowned bubble artist and eight-time Guinness World Record holder, Fan Yang. Fan Yang will be on-hand to introduce the 2005 line of Gazillion Bubble products with a spectacular 45-minute bubble show.

Through his fascinating and unique performances, Fan Yang demonstrates the art and science of creating amazing colorful bubbles in different shapes and sizes. Fan Yang has performed at science centers and entertainment venues around the globe and has been featured on television networks worldwide.

Popular with bubble enthusiasts of all ages, The One and Only Gazillion Bubbles from Funrise is an effervescent line of bubble toys bursting with a one-of-a-kind bubble solution and great bubble blowing accessories. Funrise provides bubble fans of every age with an exciting and innovative array of Gazillion Bubble products for 2005.

Founded in 1987, Funrise Toy Corp. is an adventurous innovator of superior toys and an industry leader in the manufacturing and distribution of the most popular children's toys. Simply put.... we create fun!

With strong drivers in our core property portfolio which includes Gazillion Bubbles(R), Nylint(R), Dr. Dreadful(TM), and Passport Friends(TM), combined with leading licensed power brands such as Tonka(R), Disney(c), Scooby(c) and more, Funrise excels in key categories comprising the toy marketplace. Our commitment to leading edge design and product quality has garnered Funrise Master Toy Licensee Rights to Charlie & The Chocolate Factory. Warner Bros. Consumer Products theatrical release is scheduled for summer 2005!

Funrise has offices in Woodland Hills, CA, Hong Kong, United Kingdom, and France with additional showrooms in New York City and Bentonville, AK. The company is operated by its founder, Arnie Rubin, who also serves as Chairman of the Toy Industry Association (T.I.A.). Funrise Toy Corp's success results from its commitment to quality manufacturing, progressive marketing and a values-based corporate culture.