Toronto Carnival corner — August 1

By Curtis Eustace

 

On Saturday 3rd August, 2013 masqueraders will fill the streets for the 2013 Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival. The parade begins on the CNE Grounds and continues onto Lakeshore Blvd. Entry to the CNE grounds is available from 7 am and bleacher seating along the parade route is limited. Arrive early to avoid disappointment.

This year, at your request, we have enhanced our paid element of the parade with a very affordable Midway for the kids and the young at heart, a concert featuring Destra, KI, JW & Blaize and Talpree to name a few, as well as many food, beverage and craft vendors showcasing the versatile facets of the Caribbean culture. Tickets to enter the CNE are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors or children and a family of 4 (2 adults, 2 seniors/children) can purchase tickets for $60.

Marilyn Bell Park on Lakeshore Blvd is still open and available for free viewing of the parade.

Wristband Policy – “Play Mas, Play Safe”

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.

Week Ahead …

 

IMPORTANT DATES

KING AND QUEEN SHOW AT LAMPORT STADIUM –  August 1ST 2013

PAN ALIVE AT LAMPORT STADIUM – August 2ND 2013

GRAND PARADE AT LAKESHORE BLVD. TORONTO – August 3RD 2013.

CHUTNEY FESTIVAL AT THE ITALIAN GARDENS, TRAFALGAR AND DERRY RD, MILTON $20  – August 4TH 2013

featuring Dil e Nadan, Triveni, Raymond, Ki, Rick Ramoutar, Dollyboy, Tassa, Indian dancers,, Kerwin Du bois, and lots more.

 

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.

 

If I find that your question is one pertaining to the general public I will print both the question and answer in my next column.

 

We would like to wish a safe and enjoyable festival! Please remember to get and wear your wristbands!