TORONTO (July 23, 2017): More than 2000 young masqueraders came out for the 2017 Junior Carnival Parade and Family Day on July 22 in the Malvern community, Toronto.
Mayor John Tory helped kick off the official opening at the Malvern Community Centre along with: Federal Minister of Science and MP, Etobicoke North, Kirsty Duncan; Provincial Minister of Education and MPP for Scarborough-Guildwood Mitzie Hunter; Ontario NDP Leader and MPP for Hamilton Centre Andrea Horwath, Raymond Cho, MPP for Scarborough – Rouge River and Neethan Shan, City Councilor for Scarborough – Rouge River. Festival Management Committee representatives Denise Herrera Jackson and Chris Alexander along with Mark Itwaru, chairman & CEO of Peeks Social, the festival’s new title sponsor also helped cut the ribbon to kick off the event. Ontario PC Leader and MPP for Simcoe North Patrick Brown also attended the parade later in the afternoon.
“The 2017 Junior Carnival Parade and Family Day truly reflects Scarborough’s rich cultural diversity,” said Mitzie Hunter, MPP for Scarborough-Guildwood. “Events like these bring children, their families and the broader community together in a spirit of joy as they celebrate the beauty and artistry of Caribbean culture. Thank you to all the parents, volunteers and the children who have worked tirelessly to make this day such a success.”
The parade started at Malvern Community Centre with 11 mas bands showing off their colourful and creative presentations and ended at Neilson Park where live entertainment, food, the Junior Chef competition and other family activities continued until 8 pm.
“The Peeks Toronto Caribbean Carnival is a multigenerational family festival,” said Denise Herrera-Jackson, CEO of the Festival Management Committee. “We encourage everyone to come out to all the fantastic family events including the always spectacular King & Queen Showcase and of course, the Grand Parade with ideal family seating and great views from Exhibition Grounds.”
Several awards were presented at the Junior Carnival. Best Band overall went to: Carnival Nationz. In second place was Venom Carnival and third place went to The Toronto Revellers. Louis Saldenah Mas K-Club placed fourth and Tribal Carnival placed fifth. The Western Union People’s Choice Award went to Carnival Nationz. Junior King and Queen winners were announced earlier at the Junior King and Queen Showcase on July 16.
For more Peeks Toronto Caribbean Carnival info and tickets visit: Carnival.TO.
Report by: Sarbjit Kaur
