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

Junior Carnival Parade Has Its Own Coconut-based Energy Drink!

RECIPE TIME: Gracefully Making An Energy Juice At The Junior Carnival Launch

There was a Grace Kennedy Juice Making Expert at our recently held Junior Carnival Launch using Caribbean juices to create an Energy Drink for junior revelers (pictured).

Taking part in junior carnival parade is always fun event. But, the dancing, the heat and length of the parade route can be a drain on a young Mas Player. Parents can give their junior revelers an all-natural Caribbean energy drink made of Sorrel and Coconut.

Sorrel is a leafy flowering herb that is found throughout the Caribbean. The Sorrel oblong leaf is added to salads. Its red berries (which bloom over the Christmas holidays) are used in sorrel jams and juices. It is an excellent source of Vitamin C, A and B9.

The Coconut is also found in the Caribbean. The water inside a coconut is harvested after a coconut has been removed from the tree. The water is a natural energy drink due to its high potassium and mineral content.

Was able to get a receipe from him for Junior Carnival Coco-Sorrel Energy Drink Recipe. Here it is!

1 coconut ***
1 cup of sorrel juice ***
Crushed ice

Drill two holes in the top of the coconut and drain the water inside
Strain the water into a pitcher
Add 1 cup of sorrel juice
Add 1 cup of crushed ice
Stir and refrigerate
Serve when Coco-Sorrel Energy Drink is near frozen

*** No coconut to get coconut water? Grace Coco water can be substituted
*** Tropical Rhythms Bottled Sorrel Juice available in Canada.

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  

Canada's largest outdoor event announces its 2012 calendar - July and August - Jump Up Time

2012 List of Events – Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival – Our City’s best summer festival – July 16 to August 12, 2012
.

The Festival Management Committee presents Toronto’s biggest summer Carnival and festival – from July 16 to August 2, 2012 with:

·       Living Art through the presentation of stunning costumes known popularly as Mas’ at the Junior Carnival for kids age  2 to 16 years and Marquee Lakeshore Boulevard parades in a cosmopolitan Toronto.

·       Performance Art capturing the original music in its diverse forms - soca, calypso, pan, and chutney music to animate the masqueraders and propel their dance steps as well as spectators.

·       Ritualism motivating millions of visitors that have continued to make the city of Toronto the destination of choice for an absolute stunning Carnival event.

Our festival takes place at various locations in Toronto engaging many sectors of our city and citizens.  This year we are offering improvements to the traditional events.

Junior Carnival Official launch – July 16. It’s all about the kids. This year, the event would be moved to a new location. Downsview Park.

Festival Official Launch – July 10:  It’s the event that attracts wide media coverage especially by our media sponsors – television, radio, print media, and social media. It presents a snapshot of what’s on for the Festival.

GTAA Launch – July 20. It’s another year for the Greater Toronto Airport Authority partnership with the Festival Management Committee to promote the festival at the gateway to the City of Toronto with Caribbean entertainment and tastings.

Citizenship Ceremony – TBD  Witness new Canadians being sworn in as citizens of Canada within a welcoming flavour of the Toronto Caribbean Carnival and Festival.

Location:  North York Civic Centre

Carnival Art – July 29 to August 12 – A unique display of Carnival costumes and the history of the festival featuring photography capturing Carnival around the city and also featuring the pioneers of the festival with the recollection of the festival over the years..

Media Conference at the Royal Ontario Museum - July 12

Junior Carnival – July 21. The kid’s version of the Marquee parade attracting over 30,000 spectator visitors comprising families and featuring 2,000 mini masquerades, some as young as two years taking place close to one the city’s priority neighbourhood with partners such as 31 & 32 Division of the Metropolitan Police. This year the festival would be at the Downsview Park.

Trudeau at the CTV 2011 BB-Que

CTV/CP24 BBQ – July TBD – It was so successful the last two years that they’ve decided to do it again – an outdoor BBQ from Queen Street to Richmond Street that celebrates the festival with costumes, music, and of course, delicious food.

Annual Gala– July 27. An elegant evening at the Liberty Grand that showcases masquerade models, music, dancing, exotic food, and signature drinks – sensational sights, sounds, and tastes. Attended by sponsors, donors, and partners, this event attracts the well-heeled clientele who bid on exciting prizes to support an identified cause.

Location: Liberty Grand Entertainment Complex located on the waterfront - the epitome of luxury and elegance.

The Calypso Tent Music Series (CTMS) – The Calypso Tent Music Series (CTMS) will run for 5 weeks on weekends beginning 
June 9th and ending July 8th.

Location:  TBD

Kaiso 365 - Calypso Monarch Finals – July 23

After weeks of performances, calypsonians that have made the final cut will compete for the crown!!! Finalists compete for Canada's top Calypso prize. Humour, double entendre and wit, lyrics range from personal to political, social commentary to celebration.

Location:  TBD

Calypso STARS Showcase – August 1

Gareth Burgess, Carnival Arts characters: Moko Jumbies (Swizzlestick Theatre), interactive Sailor Dancers (Hummingbird Dance Co.), and the Midnight Robber (Afro-Caribbean Dance Co.), Ossie Gurley & Calypso All Stars.

Location:  Harbourfront Centre.

King and Queen Competition and Show – August 2.  A spectacular display of the talent and artistic skill of the designers and costume builders of the King, Queen, male and female individual costumes paraded in front of a captivated audience. These masqueraders compete in costumes that weigh two to three times their body weight.

Location: Allan Lamport Stadium – capacity 6000 spectators.

Pan Alive – TBD. This event showcases the talent of steel pan performers ranging in age from early teens to adults as they perform their original renditions to the aficionados and judges at the Allan Lamport Stadium.  We are planning to move the event to a full day event as opposed to an evening event.

Location: Allan Lamport Stadium

Grand Parade – August 4. This is the marquee parade that is the showcase of the Festival.  After months of preparation, masqueraders in colourful and striking costumes and steel pan bands wind their way from the assembly area at Exhibition Place along a 3.5 kilometre stretch on Lakeshore Boulevard.  This performance of bejewelled masqueraders continues to draw millions from all over the world to see the live performing street art year after year. With opportunities for VIP seating in designated, controlled areas which will include upgraded seating, tents, and marketplace.

Location: Exhibition Place, Ontario Place, Lakeshore Boulevard.  .

Tropical Rhythm Food Festival – Islands Come to the Islands at Ontario Place – August 5 and August 6. Continuing the tropical Caribbean ambience of the festival, cool down on the south beach at Ontario Place or have fun in the park while enjoying ‘de lime’ with food, music, dance, and an array of fun activities for two days. Be up close and personal with the Bahamian Jankanoo band, ShortKnee performers from Grenada and the Rhyming chef who combines his unique talent of cooking and rhyming – the best way to end the long weekend. Enjoy the Tropical food festival and island hop to tasty, spicy morsels of Caribbean islands.

Location – Ontario Place, a cultural and entertainment park within easy reach of the city.

Canada Rugby League – TBD. A new event featuring fans of rugby league is adding the sporting dimension to the festival. “Governed by the Rugby League International Federation, the sport is officially played in 57 countries across the world. Most popular in England, Australia, New Zealand and across the Pacific, the largest professional associations are the National Rugby League and the European Super League, with a combined fan base of over 100 million”. The event in Toronto will feature a matchup between the Jamaican international team and Canada for the first annual Toronto Caribbean Carnival Cup) and include a concert featuring artistes from Jamaica. 

Location: TBD: 

Issued By:

Stephen Weir
Festival Publicist| 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