By Curtis Eustace

Saturday July 20, 2013, Chevrolet presents Junior Carnival Parade at Downsview Park from 11am to 6pm.  12 Bands have registered to participate in the event which for a second year is being held at Downsview Park. With a shorter parade route, organizers anticipate a better flow and viewing for spectators.

With a vibrant and festive Junior Carnival Media Launch the energy is set for this Saturday’s event to be one of the most spectacular productions in years. The parade will follow with a Family Day Event that will feature a showcase by Junior Calypso monarch Jeremy Rodiguez from Trinidad and Tobago, which is sponsored by OCPA, along with a Junior Steelband Showcase sponsored by the Canadian Federation of Steelpan and a Junior Dance Showcase.

There will also be a midway, and a marketplace. Additional children’s activities will be provided by presenting sponsor Chevrolet and the Festival sponsor Scotiabank.

Make it a date “Come see the future of Carnival… today.”

The event is free and encourages all to come and join in the festivities.

Wristband Policy – “ Play Mas, Play Safe”

The Junior Carnival Parade sets the stage for the fast approaching Grand Parade on Saturday August 3, 2013. Organizers are encouraging participants to be reminded of the wristband policy in effect. The Festival Management Committee has issued notices posted in all mas camps informing all participants about the new policy. In a nutshell, if you don’t have an authorized wristband you will not be allowed on the parade route (i.e. from Assembly Area in the CNE grounds to the end of the parade route at Colborne Lodge) and those not wearing a wristband will be removed from the parade route. This means all masqueraders, volunteers, band and section leaders, DJs, truck drivers and anyone affiliated with a band, guest band, or pan side and need to be on the parade route must procure a wristband from their respective leader. Even if you are wearing a costume a wristband will be required. Masqueraders need their costumes and a wristband. Pan men need their band t-shirt and a wristband and for guest bands participants require their t-shirt or costume plus wristband. The Festival Management Committee thanks participants for their cooperation and highlights that following the wristband policy will maintain uniformity and a safe and organized experience for all involved. If you have not yet registered with a mas band or pan side, please go to www.torontomasbands.com for further details.

Week Ahead …

The week ahead got off to a great start with the opening service held on Sunday July 14, 2013 at Revival Time Tabernacle Church.

Later in the week, the confirmed pan sides “line up” for Pan Alive were released. Pan Alive looks to have another amazing display of talent and rhythm to add to the Festival. The order is as follows:

01. Pan Masters

02. St Jamestown Youth Centre

03. Panatics

04. JK Vibrations

05. Hamilton Youth Steel Orchestra (HYSO)

06. Oakville/Halton Community Band (CCAH)

07. Silhouettes

08. New Dimension

09. Afropan

10. Symphonyx

11. Pan Fantasy

12. Salah Steelpan Academy

13. Metrotones

As the momentum builds to main event of the Festival, everyone is encouraged to take part in other events happening this week. In addition, to Junior Carnival Parade this Saturday, July 20, 2013, the sporting aspects of the Festival takes place at Lamport Stadium with the 3^rd Annual Caribbean Carnival Cup. The much anticipated rugby match-up of the year takes place with the Canada Wolverines taking on the Reggae Warriors of Jamaica. Two international titans clash, as Canada will attempt a 3^rd straight win and plays to defend its title at the games. General admission is $10.00 with kickoff at 7:00pm. For those that can’t make it out to this exciting sporting event, it will be televised the following week on Sportsnet. Please check your local listings.  Other important dates to watch are listed below.

IMPORTANT DATES

Tickets for our premier events are at all Drupatis locations throughout the GTA, Play de Record downtown Toronto, Charlie’s Mississauga, online at www.ticketgateway.com or at all other advertised ticket outlets. Tickets can also be purchased at the Festival Management Committee office at 19 Waterman Avenue, Toronto. The FMC Office is open for ticket sales Monday – Friday 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM.

If you have any questions regarding to the Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival, Pan or Calypso please send an email to media@torontocarnival.com and I will try my best to answer your questions.