NEW ZEALAND DECLARES MARCH 17 `ST. PATRICK SWAYZE'S DAY'

NEW ZEALAND DECLARES MARCH 17 `ST. PATRICK SWAYZE'S DAY'

AUCKLAND, New Zealand (Wireless Flash) -- It may be St. Patrick's Day in Ireland, but in Auckland, New Zealand, it's "St. Patrick Swayze Day." Auckland radio station 91ZM came up with the idea for a "St. Patrick Swayze's Day" two years ago and, according to morning personality Marcus Lush, St. Patrick Swayze Day is now more popular in Auckland than St. Patrick's Day. Lush says thousands of fans cram into Irish pubs to booze it up and watch Swayze films including "Dirty Dancing", "Ghost", "Point Break" and "Black Dog." Although Swayze wasn't available for comment, his mother, Patsy, says: "I'm sure Patrick would be honored -- but nothing will ever replace the original St. Patrick."

CONTACT: Marcus Lush; Auckland, NZ; 011-64-9-377-6199; Patsy Swayze requests no phoners.