anada's oldest city is turning 400 this year and, to celebrate the milestone, it's throwing a 10-month long series of events, from performance arts to extreme sports competitions, neo-circus shows to a free concert from a world-famous diva. However, the celebrations aren't without controversy.

In city years, Quebec isn't that old. Unlike dogs, it takes thousands of years for a city go get old. Rome is almost 3000 years old. That's old. However, by North American standards - as always, sorry natives - Quebec City's 400th anniversary is huge. To celebrate, Canada's oldest city has pulled together $110 million in funding - care of the Federal Government and the Department of Canadian Heritage - to throw a 10-month bash, beginning in January.

From famous no-shows and internal squabbling to rivals for the distinction of Canada's oldest city, Quebec's 400th anniversary has not gone without controversy. Though a visit by Pope Benedict initially seemed a sure thing, it was recently confirmed that his holiness will not make an appearance at the Plains of Abraham. Furthermore, in a surprising non-move, the U.K.'s Queen Elizabeth was not extended an invitation. Now, a debate concerning Quebec's status as the oldest city in Canada has surfaced. St. John's Newfoundland has put forth a claim on the title, saying that it became a city as early as 1583, several years before Quebec.

Despite a shortened guest list and mounting rhetorical controversy, the celebrations will continue. The calendar includes a vast array of events. On January 26th Crushed Ice will return to Quebec City. Like the bastard child of skiing and hockey, the Red Bull-sponsored battle involves heats of four skaters racing down an icy slope. It's free to the public.