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Toronto Caribbean Carnival is back. Here’s your guide to events happening this weekend

Toronto Caribbean Carnival is back. Here’s your guide to events happening this weekend

Toronto, get ready. The annual Caribbean Carnival is happening this weekend. Whether you’re going out with friends, family or to party, there will be something fun for everyone to enjoy.

Here’s everything you need to know about this weekend’s festivities:

The Grand Parade

After two years of pandemic-related cancellations, Toronto Caribbean Carnival’s Grand Parade is back this year at Exhibition Place.

The Grand Parade will run from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. An opening ceremony will kick the day off at 9:30 a.m. and the parade will begin at 10 a.m. Most of the parade will take place along Lake Shore Boulevard. Only registered participants and masqueraders are allowed on the parade route itself, but it’s free for spectators along Lake Shore. You won’t be able to get to the Lake Shore through Exhibition Place, so plan accordingly.

Depending on which side of Lake Shore you plan to watch from, parks will offer amenities like washrooms and emergency services — on the east side, at Ontario Place; on the west side turn to Marilyn Bell Park where there will also be food vendors.

At Exhibition Place, there is ticketed bleacher seating for viewing the parade. The grounds also offer live music, food vendors highlighting Caribbean cuisine and a beer garden.

Tickets and more information are available online at torontocarnival.ca.

Plan to take GO Transit or the TTC as parking will be scarce.

Some roads will be closed for Carnival from 2 a.m. on Saturday to 8 a.m. on Sunday:

• Lake Shore Boulevard West from Colborne Lodge Drive to Bathurst Street

• Strachan Avenue from Fleet Street to Lake Shore Boulevard West

• Jameson Avenue from Springhurst Avenue to Lake Shore Boulevard West

• Dunn Avenue at Springhurst Avenue

• Dufferin Street at Springhurst Avenue

• Fort York Boulevard between Fleet Street and Lake Shore Boulevard West

• The westbound Gardiner Expressway off-ramp to Dunn and Jameson Avenues (Exit 149)

Pan Alive Steel Pan Showcase

Steel pan is traditionally associated with the Caribbean islands and is a cornerstone of calypso and soca music. Pan Alive, put on by the Ontario Steel Pan Association, will showcase the bright and vibrant sounds of the steel pan at Lamport Stadium on Friday. Tickets are available at torontocarnival.ca.

Party with basketball legends

Toronto, this weekend is your chance to party with two NBA legends.

On Friday, American basketball superstar LeBron James is kicking off Carnival weekend hosting the sixth annual DAYLIGHT party at Lavelle’s rooftop pool and lounge bar. Tickets for the event are available on Ticket Gateway for $200. The event is organized by Toronto Caribbean Carnival and James’ tequila brand, Lobos. The party is from 1 to 7 p.m. at 627 King St. W.

And, fresh off the Warriors’ NBA championship, all-star basketball player Andrew Wiggins is in town hosting a party at Arcane nightclub on Saturday celebrating Carnival weekend. This is the official parade after-party and will go from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. at 461 King St. W. Tickets are available on Ticket Gateway for $60.

Drake’s “Road to OVO Fest Tour”

Drake is putting on shows featuring various hip hop and R&B artists in Toronto all weekend as a part of his “October World Weekend Road to OVO Fest Tour.” On Friday, see Chris Brown and Lil Baby perform at Budweiser Stage.

Also at Budweiser Stage, Drake is performing with Lil Wayne and Nicki Minaj for a Young Money reunion show on Monday. Tickets are available online at LiveNation.com.

Argonauts Caribbean Carnival Night

BMO Field will be decked out in colourful Carnival decorations for Caribbean Carnival Night. The pre-game party will start at 3:30 p.m. and feature masqueraders, a steel pan band, DJ and lots of soca music to match the vibe.

The Argonauts will take on the Ottawa Redblacks Sunday at 5 p.m. Tickets and more information are available online at argonauts.ca/tickets.

Island Soul

Bringing island vibes, music and family-friendly events to the Harbourfront Centre, Island Soul has something in store for everybody. Most of the events are free and run Friday through Monday. Dance at the silent disco in the South Lawn featuring soca, dancehall and reggae, learn dance styles from across the African diaspora at a dance workshop with Afiwi Groove Dance, and enjoy live music from reggae to soca to jazz. Learn more and explore the full program online at harbourfrontcentre.com.

Carnival City at Ajax Downs

Celebrate Carnival in Durham at Ajax Downs. Carnival City’s 12 days of programming runs until Aug. 7. On Monday, celebrate Emancipation Day at Carnival City with live traditional and cultural performances to entertain the whole family. A calypso music showcase is scheduled for 2 p.m. At 4 p.m. take in a theatrical production telling the story of emancipation and the history of Caribbean Carnival through dance and music. And, dance all night to a tribute performance for the late great soca artist Blaxx. Get tickets and more information online at houseofculture.ca.

Bob Marley One Love Experience

In sync with Toronto’s Caribbean Carnival season this month, “Bob Marley One Love Experience” is open at the Lighthouse ArtSpace in Toronto. The show features six rooms that showcase art, music, photos, memorabilia and immersive displays. Listen to Marley’s music in a virtual concert experience, view a huge portrait of Marley by artist Mr. Brainwash, and delve into Marley’s personal interests, including his family and football. The exhibit was organized in collaboration with the musician’s family and will run through Aug. 14. Timed-entry tickets start at $20 and are available at bobmarleyexp.com

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COVID vaccination clinics to be held at Caribbean Carnival, other summer events in Toronto – Toronto | Globalnews.ca

COVID vaccination clinics to be held at Caribbean Carnival, other summer events in Toronto - Toronto | Globalnews.ca

Toronto Public Health (TPH) says it will be holding COVID-19 pop-up vaccination clinics at the Caribbean Carnival and other summer festivals this week.

“Bringing COVID-19 vaccines to social and cultural events is part of Team Toronto’s ongoing equity-focused, hyper-local mobile strategy, providing accessible and convenient vaccination opportunities to residents in places where they live, work and play,” TPH said in a news release.

Read more:

COVID cases are rising across Canada. Where are the country’s top doctors?

According to TPH, the clinics will be held at the following locations:

  • Under the Stars at Regent Park located at 620 Dundas Street East on July 27 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Toronto Caribbean Carnival at Marilyn Bell Park located at 1095 Lake Shore Boulevard West on July 30 from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
  • Ghana Fest Canada at Earl Bales Park located at 4169 Bathurst Street on July 31 from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.

TPH said the clinics are family friendly and will offer first, second, third and forth doses, as well as pediatric shots to those who are eligible. Both Pfizer and Moderna vaccines will be available.

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The city said no appointment or health card is needed, and the clinics will operate on a walk-in basis.

Read more:

Toronto Pearson operator ‘pleased’ to see random COVID testing moved offsite

“All eligible residents are encouraged to get their third and fourth doses as soon as possible. As with vaccinations for other diseases, people are protected best when their COVID-19 vaccinations are up to date,” the news release read.

TPH said COVID-19 vaccinations “have been scientifically proven to lower the risk of illness, hospitalization and death while protecting people, their loved ones and the community.”


Click to play video: 'Experts urge caution amid summer COVID-19 surge'







Experts urge caution amid summer COVID-19 surge


Experts urge caution amid summer COVID-19 surge

© 2022 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

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Kiddie Parade rolls along Lake Boulevard as Water Carnival events continue

Kiddie Parade rolls along Lake Boulevard as Water Carnival events continue

BEMIDJI — Wagons, bikes, rollerblades, scooters and toy cars decorated in red, white and blue were on display as children made their way down Lake Boulevard for a Kiddie Parade on Saturday morning during the Bemidji Jaycees’ 78th Annual Water Carnival.

Registration began at 10 a.m. with the parade starting at BSU’s Bangsberg Hall parking lot on 12th Street, continuing down Lake Boulevard onto Sixth Street and ending at the entertainment tent at the waterfront.

Following the parade, there were a handful of activities for children of all ages in the entertainment tent, featuring a Headwaters Science Center presentation.

070922.N.BP.KIDDIEPARADE 6.jpg

Children ride along Lake Boulevard in a toy car decked out in red, white and blue for a Kiddie Parade on Saturday, July 2, 2022, during the Bemidji Jaycees’ 78th Annual Water Carnival.

Maggi Fellerman / Bemidji Pioneer

070922.N.BP.KIDDIEPARADE 5.jpg

A family makes their way down Lake Boulevard for a Kiddie Parade on Saturday, July 2, 2022, during the Bemidji Jaycees’ 78th Annual Water Carnival.

Maggi Fellerman / Bemidji Pioneer

Remaining events for the Water Carnival include:
The entertainment tent at the Lake Bemidji waterfront will be open from 5 p.m. to midnight through July 3. There will be daily happy hours from 5 to 7 p.m., along with live music events each evening.

4onthefloor

will play from 9 to 11 p.m. on Saturday, July 2, and gates open at 8 p.m. Admission price is $10. Attendees are required to be 21 years and older for this event.

Corey Medina & Brothers

will take the stage from 8 p.m. to midnight on Sunday, July 3. The admission price is one water carnival button.

The Grand Parade will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. on Sunday, July 3. It will start at the intersection of 15th Street and Beltrami Avenue and travel south on Beltrami Avenue, turn west on Fifth Street for one block and then head north along Minnesota Avenue, ending again on 15th Street.

The Bald Eagle Water Ski Show will start at 3 p.m. on Sunday, July 3, at the Lake Bemidji waterfront in Library Park.

The 5K Color Run is Monday, July 4, with check-in starting at 9:30 a.m. at the Rotary Pavilion in Paul Bunyan Park, and the run starting at 10 a.m. It will begin in the Paul Bunyan Park parking lot and go along the south shore of Lake Bemidji, loop back at the Nymore Boat Access and end at the starting point.

The Red, White and Boom fireworks display, presented by Hill’s Plumbing and Heating, will be held at dusk, usually around 9:45 to 10:15 p.m., on Monday, July 4, on the southwest end of Lake Bemidji.

070922.N.BP.KIDDIEPARADE.jpg

Children ride along Lake Boulevard in a toy car decked out in red, white and blue for a Kiddie Parade on Saturday, July 2, 2022, during the Bemidji Jaycees’ 78th Annual Water Carnival.

Maggi Fellerman / Bemidji Pioneer

070922.N.BP.KIDDIEPARADE 7.jpg

Children ride and throw out candy to parade-goers alongside Lake Boulevard at a Kiddie Parade on Saturday, July 2, 2022, during the Bemidji Jaycees’ 78th Annual Water Carnival.

Maggi Fellerman / Bemidji Pioneer

070922.N.BP.KIDDIEPARADE 4.jpg

Kiddie Parade participants make their way down Lake Boulevard on Saturday, July 2, 2022, during the Bemidji Jaycees’ 78th Annual Water Carnival.

Maggi Fellerman / Bemidji Pioneer

070922.N.BP.KIDDIEPARADE 8.jpg

A child picks up candy alongside Lake Boulevard at the Kiddie Parade on Saturday, July 2, 2022, during the Bemidji Jaycees’ 78th Annual Water Carnival.

Maggi Fellerman / Bemidji Pioneer

070922.N.BP.KIDDIEPARADE 10.jpg

Children wave and throw candy to Kiddie Parade-goers on Saturday, July 2, 2022, during the Bemidji Jaycees’ 78th Annual Water Carnival.

Maggi Fellerman / Bemidji Pioneer

070922.N.BP.KIDDIEPARADE 9.jpg

Children ride and throw candy to parade-goers alongside Lake Boulevard at a Kiddie Parade on Saturday, July 2, 2022, during the Bemidji Jaycees’ 78th Annual Water Carnival.

Maggi Fellerman / Bemidji Pioneer

070922.N.BP.KIDDIEPARADE 1.jpg

Children ride along Lake Boulevard in a toy car decked out in red, white and blue for a Kiddie Parade on Saturday, July 2, 2022, during the Bemidji Jaycees’ 78th Annual Water Carnival.

Maggi Fellerman / Bemidji Pioneer

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‘To be here and do the events again, it makes you feel alive’: Yellowknives Dene Spring Carnival returns | CBC News

'To be here and do the events again, it makes you feel alive': Yellowknives Dene Spring Carnival returns | CBC News

After a three year hiatus due to the pandemic, dozens gathered in Dettah, N.W.T. over the weekend for the Yellowknives Dene First Nation spring carnival. 

“It was great, great to see the community coming together,” said Jeff Rosnawski, an attendee who was at the event on Saturday. 

“It feels like a lifetime ago.”

The three day carnival kicked off on April 8 with a fire feeding ceremony before launching into a fishing derby, traditional games, jigging, a talent show, hand games, a drum dance and wrapped up with a community feast on Sunday evening.

Jeff Rosnawski, left, and Jennifer Charlo complete in the log sawing event at the spring carnival in Dettah on Saturday. (Luke Carroll/ CBC)

Jennifer Charlo was another attendee.

“It feels really good … to be here and do the events again, it makes you feel alive,” she said shortly after competing in the log saw.  

Charlo said she was most excited for the drum dance that was held late Saturday night.

Alfred Liske said he was enjoying the weather and took the opportunity to compete in the fish derby, although he didn’t have too much luck in it. 

“I went to the fish derby yesterday and I didn’t get anything,” he said with a laugh on Saturday. 

He wasn’t the only one. Of the 76 contestants who signed up, only three managed to catch anything. 

But catching fish didn’t matter to Liske.

“It looks like everyone is having a good time, that’s the main thing,” he said. 

“It looks like there’s people from every community out here.” 

A contestant competes in the nail pounding event on Saturday for the Yellowknives Dene First Nation spring carnival. The events took place in Dettah from April 8 until April 10. (Luke Carroll/ CBC)

Theresa Lynn was the organizer of the festivities.

“It’s pretty insane because our last spring carnival was 2019,” she said. 

“I forgot how exciting it was to be able to host hand games and drum dances.”

Lynn said her favourite event was the talent show, where some younger contestants showed off their jigging skills. 

“That was really cute to see,” she said. 

Lynn thanked her entire wellness team and all the volunteers for making the festivities possible. 

Although the event was held in Dettah, transportation was provided for attendees in Ndilǫ, according to the advertisement. 

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No Xaymaca International events for Carnival season

No Xaymaca International events for Carnival season



























No Xaymaca International events for Carnival season





























































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Vernon Winter Carnival cancels two final weekend events – Vernon Morning Star

Vernon Winter Carnival cancels two final weekend events - Vernon Morning Star

As the final weekend of the 62nd Vernon Winter Carnival approaches, two events have had to be cancelled.

The free Towne Theatre movie event with Winter Carnival, slated for Saturday, Feb. 12, is off due to the fire in the building next door to the theatre on Thursday, Feb. 10. Crews are working to figure out the cause of the fire and, thus, the theatre has to close.

Families who registered for the event can call the Carnival office for an exchange option free of charge.

Carnival had hoped to proceed with fireworks on the last day, Sunday, Feb. 13, but they will not be going off.

“We look forward to bringing fireworks back to our community as soon as we can, but we will not be able to provide them for Carnival 2022,” said the Carnival.

Among the events slated for the final weekend include the virtual edition of To The Max 80s Party, polar bear swim Sunday at Paddlewheel Hall on Okanagan Lake, Cowboy Poetry Friday at O’Keefe Ranch, disc golf doubles tournament, sno-pitch tournament and more.

A list of events can be found at vernonwintercarnival.com/events.

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