“All Aboard the Freedom Train” Tuesday night. Toronto. 10.30 PM Union Station

Jean Augustine (left). Rita Cox (far right) at last year's ride

When Conductor Rita Cox blows the whistle a thousand people will take a ride on Toronto’s Freedom Train.

Rita Cox, a longtime Toronto Caribbean community leader, is getting ready to blow her whistle and yell “All Aboard the Freedom Train” as Toronto gets set to mark Emancipation Day.  For the sixth year in a row there will be a special midnight TTC train that will take hundreds of people to the Sheppard West Station on July 31^st to celebrate the August 1^st date.

It all begins July 31st at 10:45pm at Toronto’s Union subway station. “We will be boarding the Underground Freedom Train at 11:30pm and travelling straight to Sheppard West subway station (previously Downsview station), arriving there at 12:15am on August 1st,” explained organizer Itah Sadu. “ The date is internationally acclaimed as Emancipation Day.” 
“This year’s sixth annual Freedom Train ride will be an incredible journey and experience about the Underground Railroad and the history of Emancipation Day,” She told the Caribbean Camera. “Opening ceremonies will begin at 10:45pm at Union subway station and half-an-hour later Dr. Rita Cox, our honourary conductor, will give the call to board the train.”

People will gather by the Brookfield Rotunda TTC entrance on the main floor of Union Station.  Last year over 1,000 people took the train to Sheppard West Station.

As people board the train there will be drumming, spoken word and songs will be sung, along with a tribute to the resilience of the many who travelled along the Underground Railway, seeking freedom in Canada. During the ride there will be a moment of silence called over the train’s intercom.
Rita Cox is often dubbed “Canada’s Icon”.  Originally from Trinidad and Tobago, the Master Storyteller, Author and Retired Librarian is a member of the Toronto Caribbean Carnival’s Festival Management Committee.  She has won numerous awards, including the 1996 Canadian Library Association Public Service Award and the Black Achievement Award. In 1997, Dr. Cox was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada for her outstanding work in storytelling and literacy. She is also the recipient of honourary degrees from York and Wilfrid Laurier universities.

Also on board Tuesday night will be: Dr. Edith Lorimar, producer Fatima Mohamed and Master Drummer Muhtadi Thomas and Muhtadi International Drumming,

Everyone is welcome to join us on this Underground Freedom Train Ride to celebrate Emancipation Day. People will need a regular TTC ticket for admission and come prepared for being part of a very unique subway ride. Sixth annual Underground Freedom Train Ride t-shirts are available for purchase at A Different Booklist store, prior to the ride. Further information - available at A Different Booklist 416-538-0889 or by following on twitter @FreedomTrainTOR.

  

MEDIA ALERT: North America’s largest Carnival Junior Parade

 

Saturday Junior Carnival & Family Day at the Downsview Park. 10.45 AM

Kids at Carnival Nationz show off the costumes that they will wear at the Kiddies Parad

 Toronto, ON, 17.07.2013: Families, carnival lovers, a steel band orchestra and corporate leaders from General Motors and Scotiabank will be attending the launch of the free Scotibank Caribbean Carnival Toronto’s Junior Carnival Parade.  The ribbon - cutting ceremony will take place at 10.45 on Saturday July 20^th at the Downsview Park (Sheppard Ave / John Drury Drive) immediately following the parade of the costumed children there will be an event filled Family Day party!

Where:  The brief ribbon cutting ceremony will be at an easy-to-see tent located at the corner of John Drury Drive and Canuck Ave. The parade itself will travel from the William Baker Park on Robert Woodhead Crescent cross a bridge south over Sheppard Avenue to Canuck  Ave, left on John Drury Drive and ending on  Carl Hall Road for dispersal inside the Downsview Park.  The children will then take part in lunch, refreshments and free showcase concerts for the rest of the day.

When: Saturday, July 20th.  The opening ceremony begins at 10:45 am and the parade starts at 11:00 following the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. Family Day begins at 2:30pm and runs to 6 pm.

What: The Official ceremony begins at 10:45 with the Canada National Anthem played by the St. Jamestown Youth Centre Steel Orchestra. Government officials, and representatives from the title sponsor - Scotia Bank, the Junior Carnival presenting sponsor - Chevrolet and the Festival Management Committee will participate in the opening ceremony.  Up to 2,000 children in costumes representing 12 Mas Bands will take part in the parade. This is the largest Carnival children’s parade in North America.

Family Day: Family Day events include. Marketplace with lots of food, excitement for the children, including a Midway, Face Painting, and Caricatures.

Family Day Entertainment includes:

The Junior Steelband Showcase is sponsored by the Canadian Federation of Steelpan and will feature: Pan Fantasy Steel Orchestra, CCAH Steel Orchestra, Salah's Steelpan Academy and the St. Jamestown Youth Centre Steel Orchestra.

The Junior Calypso Showcase sponsored by Ontario Calypso Performers Association features: MC’s Young Rashida and B.J. Thornhill; Ngozi Trotma; Zavion Peters; DYC Drummers; Ashtina McDermott; Shanica Davis; Brittany Dardain and Jaeden Doyle-Marshall

Dance performances will be by Mabouya Dance Company, Roots and Branches and the Hummingbird Dancers of Oshawa.

 

General Motors (Canada)

Headquartered in Oshawa, Ontario, General Motors of Canada Limited (GMCL) employs over 10,000 people across the country and is a recognized leader in green manufacturing.  GMCL markets the full range of fuel-efficient Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac vehicles and related services through Canada's largest automotive dealer network, which employs over 23,000 people dedicated to delivering a top customer experience. GMCL also plays a leadership role in automotive design and engineering, engaging in innovative research and development partnerships with leading Canadian universities and research institutes. In addition, through its Canadian Engineering Centres, GMCL conducts development activities ranging from cold weather testing to the advancement of key electric vehicle and green technologies. More information regarding GMCL models can be found at www.gm.ca, or by following @GMCanada on Twitter.  

About Scotiabank

Scotiabank is committed to supporting the communities in which we live and work, both in Canada and abroad, through our global philanthropic program, Scotiabank Bright Future. Recognized as a leader internationally and among Canadian corporations for our charitable donations and philanthropic activities, Scotiabank has provided on average approximately $47 million annually to community causes around the world over each of the last five years. Visit us at www.scotiabank.com.

About Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival

The Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival is an exciting three-week cultural explosion of Caribbean music, cuisine, and revelry as well as visual and performing arts. Now in its 46th year, it has become a major international event and the largest cultural festival of its kind in North America. As Carnival is an international cultural phenomenon, the great metropolis of Toronto and its environs will come alive as the city explodes with the pulsating rhythms and melodies of Calypso, Soca, Reggae, Chutney, Steel Pan and Brass Bands. The Festival Management Committee oversees the running of North America's largest outdoor festival.

Corporate sponsors of this year's festival include: Scotiabank, Chevrolet, The Toronto Star, CTV, CP-24, FLOW fm, The Canadian Federal Government, The Province of Ontario, City of Toronto, Tourism Toronto, The Greater Toronto Airports Authority, The Ontario Science Centre, Toronto Public Library, Eglinton Square Mall, and the Liberty Grand. 

For media inquires:

Stephen Weir
Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival Publicist
Phone 416-489-5868 Cell: 416-801-3101
Email: Stephen@stephenweir.com

Stephen Weir, Festival Publicist | Phone 416-489-5868 | Cell: 416-801-3101 | Email: Stephen@stephenweir.com

Darling Nicky, Cultural Liaison | Cell: 905-399-5322 | Email: darlingnicky.ca@gmail.com

Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival Toronto: MEDIA ALERT

Kids from Carnival Nationz helped out at the Children's Parade media preview

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CHILDREN'S CARNIVAL MEDIA PREVIEW - 150 KIDS IN COSTUMES, CALYPSO, PAN TOO.

DOWNSVIEW TUESDAY, JULY 2nd

MEDIA ALERT

SCOTIABANK CARIBBEAN CARNIVAL

JULY 1, 2013  (Toronto) On the morning of July 2^nd the media is invited to join Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival Toronto’s CEO Denise Herrera Jackson, local MPPs, city of Toronto councillors, and members of the Caribbean Canadian community for the releasing of important information about this year’s Junior Carnival/Family Day which will be held July 20^th at Downsview Park.   The festival will be releasing key information about major changes to the children’s parade route and the introduction of  a Junior Soca and Caylpso Showcase into the day-long event. For the first time also, there will be a Junior Steelband Showcase, sponsored by the Canadian Federation of Steelpan.

This outdoor media preview will be both colourful and visually exciting. Approximately 100 children in costumes (with signed model releases) from a dozen mas camps will be showing their new costumes for the first time!  There will also be Junior Calypso singers, a dance group and steelband performances.

The media preview will be held at Downsview Park near where the actual parade will take place.  The parade moved last year from Jane/Finch to Downsview because of traffic safety concerns and because of space limitations. This year over 2,000 children in mas costumes are expected to take part in the parade, making it the largest children’s carnival parade in North America. The Family Day Event follows the Parade until 8pm.

Who: Representative from two corporate supporters – Chevrolet and Scotiabank. Spokespeople from the Parade, MPPS, and councillors will speak at the press launch. Children in costumes will play mas for the cameras. Steel pan orchestra will perform. Calypso singers will sing!

When: 11.30 a.m to 12.30pm TUESDAY, July 2, 2013

Where:   35 Carl Hall Road, east of the John Drury Drive (within Downsview Park - enter on John Drury Drive - off Sheppard Ave W)

Stephen Weir
Stephen Weir & Associates | stephen@stephenweir.com
or sweir5492@rogers.com
2482 Yonge Street, Unit 45032, Toronto, ONT.
CANADA. M4P 3E3
Tel: 416-489-5868 | Cell: 416-801-3101
www.stephenweir.com

LAST YEAR - YOU TUBE VIGNETTE:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlKFG-2IMaA&list=UUDzisKyJmzPIAV_bqLGZI8g&index=22

Stephen Weir

Kevin Williams, president of GM to kick off junior carnival parade at 11.02

President of General Motors to cut ribbon

Community Leaders Will Come Out To Launch Saturday’s: Junior Carnival & Family Day at the new Downsview Park

Toronto, ON, 19.07.2012:  An all-star line-up of politicians and corporate Canada leaders will be attending the launch of the free Scotibank Caribbean Carnival Toronto’s Junior Carnival Parade.  Confirmed to attend the 10.45 ribbon cutting ceremony is Kevin Williams the president of General Motors Canada. He is to be joined by Mark Adler, MP York Centre, Michael Coteau, MPP Don Valley East, Councillor Maria Augimeri, Ward 9, York Centre, members of the Festival Management Committee and Scotibank.

Where:  The brief ribbon cutting ceremony will be at a tent adjacent to 35 Carl Hall Road, past the Downsview Administration Building.  The parade itself will travel from Canuck Avenue, to John Drury Drive, across Sheppard Ave to Robert Woodhead Crescent and back into Downsview Park.

When: Saturday, July 21st.  The opening ceremony begins at 10:45 am and the parade starts at 11:00 following the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. Family Day begins at 2pm and runs to 8 pm.

General Motors Canada (GM) is the new corporate sponsor for the 2012 Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival Junior Carnival Parade and Family Day.  The event, which will see thousands of children in Mas costume taking part in the annual kiddies parade, followed by a Family Day party.  There are two guest bands and 13 Masquerade Bands with 2,250 kids participating in the parade. 

Junior Carnival Parade and Family Day is an integral part of the 3-week Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival Parade. “ The children of today are the people that will be running our festival in years to come, so it is vital that we get youngsters enthused about playing Mas,” explained Chris Alexander, the festival CAO. “ The generous support of Chevy / GM guarantees that the traditions of Carnival will continue to be passed onto the youth of Toronto.”

Children as young as 6-months old take part in the parade.  This year over 2,000 youngsters have registered with 15 Mas Camps to dance along the streets around Downsview Park. Parents and Spectators will swell the size of the event to over 5,000 people.  This year it will be the largest children’s carnival parade in North America. A Family Day Party follows the Parade.  The Parade will begin at 10.45 am and is expected to end by 2pm. Family Day ends at 7pm.

General Motors is the new corporate sponsor of the free Junior Carnival Parade.  The Canadian car company will also be sponsoring the King and Queen Competition and Show, Presented by Chevrolet Thu. Aug. 02, 2012 at Allan Lamport Stadium. GM joins Scotiabank, the Children’s Breakfast Club and the Toronto Police in supporting the junior parade and family day.

General Motors (Canada)

Headquartered in Oshawa, Ontario, General Motors of Canada Limited (GMCL) employs over 10,000 people across the country and is a recognized leader in green manufacturing.  GMCL markets the full range of fuel-efficient Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac vehicles and related services through Canada's largest automotive dealer network, which employs over 23,000 people dedicated to delivering a top customer experience. GMCL also plays a leadership role in automotive design and engineering, engaging in innovative research and development partnerships with leading Canadian universities and research institutes. In addition, through its Canadian Engineering Centres, GMCL conducts development activities ranging from cold weather testing to the advancement of key electric vehicle and green technologies. More information regarding GMCL models can be found at www.gm.ca, or by following @GMCanada on Twitter.  

About Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival

The Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival is an exciting three-week cultural explosion of Caribbean music, cuisine, revelry as well as visual and performing arts. Now in its 45th year, it has become a major international event and the largest cultural festival of its kind in North America. As Carnival is an international cultural phenomenon, the great metropolis of Toronto and its environs will come alive as the city explodes with the pulsating rhythms and melodies of Calypso, Soca, Reggae, Chutney, Steel Pan and Brass Bands. The Festival Management Committee oversees the running of North America’s largest outdoor festival.

Corporate sponsors of this year’s festival include: Scotiabank, General Motors, The Toronto Star, Sway Magazine, CTV, CP-24, FLOW fm, WinTV, WinRadio, El Dorado Rum, The Canadian Federal Government, The Province of Ontario, City of Toronto, Tourism Toronto, The Greater Toronto Airports Authority, Ontario Place, Royal Ontario Museum, Ontario Science Centre, Toronto Public Library, Liberty Grand, and Grace Kennedy Foods.

For more information about the programmes and events, please visit the festival’s official website at www.torontocaribbeancarnival.com. The Festival Office is NOW located at 19 Waterman Avenue. Contact info: Tel: 416-391-5608; Fax: 416-391-5693; Email: info@ torontocaribbeancarnival.com.

For further information, contact:

Stephen Weir, Festival Publicist | Phone 416-489-5868 | Cell: 416-801-3101 | Email: Stephen@stephenweir.com

Darling Nicky, Cultural Liaison | Cell: 905-399-5322 | Email: darlingnicky.ca@gmail.com  

PROGRAMME FOR MONDAY'S MEDIA LAUNCH - KIDDIES PARADE AND FAMILY DAY

 

MEDIA LAUNCH – July 9, 2012

For Junior Carnival Parade and Family Day

Downsview Park (West of 35 Carl Hall Road)

Everybody takes pictures at our press conferences, even the models!!!

 

11:15am

Pan Fantasy Trio

Steelpan Music

11:30am	Junior Drummers from BEYOND SOUND	Lead the masqueraders from 40 Carl Hall Rd to the tent at 35 Carl Hall Rd
11:35am	MC, June Matthew-Lewis	Introduce Shamroy Parkinson to sing the Canada National Anthem
11:40am	Nativity Dance	Dance Performance, “All Together”
11:45am	Band Leaders Costume Presentation	§       Carnival Nationz, Empires – bandleader Marcus Eustace §       Blues Carnival Fusion, Apocalypse – bandleader Narissa Ali §       Carnival Revolution, Warriors come out and play bandleader Osei Brand §       Fantazia International, Wonders of the Enchanted Forest bandleader Will Morton §       Toronto Revellers, "The Jungle book meets Bollywood" – bandleader, Jamaal Magloire §       Callaloo, Adventures of Sinbad – bandleader Marlon Singh §       Renaissance Mas Productions, Gods and Goddesses bandleader Kathleen Noel
12:05pm	Pass the Torch	Calypso Presentation
12:10pm	MC, June Matthew-Lewis	Introduces in order of appearance: §       Hon. Judy A. Sgro, MP for York West §       Maria Augimeri, Toronto City Councillor for Ward 9, York Center §      Anthony Perruzza, Toronto City Councillor for Ward 8, York West §       Michael Lloyd, Scotiabank Branch Manager at Queen and Lansdowne §       P.A. B., Advertising Integration Manager, Of Parades New Corporate Sponsor!!!! §       Denise Herrera-Jackson, FMC CEO Acknowledges the presence of other Officials /Guests
12:25pm	DJ	Musical Finale