Toronto International Street Performer's Festival
    AUGUST 23-26, 2007 throughout the St. Lawrence Market district
    - Event proceeds benefit Epilepsy Toronto -

    TORONTO, May 25 /CNW/ - The 8th Annual BuskerFest, presented by
Scotiabank, will dazzle the historic St. Lawrence Market district once again
as buskers from all over the world take over the streets in support of
Epilepsy Toronto from Thursday, August 23 to Sunday, August 26.
    This year's BuskerFest promises to be bigger and more exciting than ever,
with over 40 top buskers from Canada, the United States, Australia, Japan,
England and India providing an awesome spectacle of jaw-dropping sight, sound
and up close and personal entertainment.
    Watch for Australia's amazing Alakazam performing aerial stunts and comic
contortions; Toronto's own Allstar Skateboard Circus in a dazzling exhibition
of pyrotechnics and skateboarding; India's snake-charming Andrew Elliot, an
out-of-this-world magician; San Francisco's Pete Sweet who dances and juggles
while perched on a tiny slackrope strung high above the street; Japan's
Candyman, Masaji who presents the sweetest show you'll ever see with his
magical art of candy sculpturing; England's Gentleman Juggler Mat Ricardo with
his quickfire comedy and incredible dexterity and charm; Calgary's Gustavo the
Impossiblist in feats of unrealized stupidity including the "Flaming Stilt
Escape of Very Real Danger"; New York City's USA Break Dancers combining their
comedic talents with cutting-edge dance choreography; Montreal's les
Walkyries, three charming fire-throwing women; and Massachusetts' Yo-Yo People
who dazzle with multiple yo-yos looping while hula-hooping and uni-cycling,
plus many, many more finely-tuned feats.
    BuskerFest attracts over 350,000 spectators each year - young and old
alike. Joining the myriad of awesome Buskers, are roving musicians, sketch
artists, artisan vendors and delicious food stalls. Admission is free with a
voluntary donation of your choice to Epilepsy Toronto, a non-profit
organization that provides support to more than 40,000 people living with
epilepsy in this city.
    "BuskerFest is produced by Epilepsy Toronto and we ensure that every year
will be bigger and better than the last. Our team searches the world to find
the most unusual, fantastical and mind boggling performance acts around," says
Geoff Bobb, executive director of Epilepsy Toronto. "Thanks to the generosity
of Toronto, this amazing festival helps raise the funds needed to provide
important programs and services to promote the independence and quality of
life for people in Toronto living with epilepsy."
    "Scotiabank is proud to support BuskerFest in its eighth year," said Jeff
Bartja, Scotiabank District Vice-President, Toronto Central. "This is a great
event that enriches the entire community and is one for the whole family to
enjoy."

    Scotiabank is committed to supporting the communities in which we live
and work, both in Canada and abroad. Recognized as a leader internationally
and among Canadian corporations for its charitable donations and philanthropic
activities, in 2006 the Bank provided more than $42 million in sponsorships
and donations to a variety of projects and initiatives, primarily in the areas
of healthcare, education and social services. Scotiabank is on the World Wide
Web at www.scotiabank.com.The 8th Annual BuskerFest
                 Thursday August 23 - Sunday August 26, 2007
              in The Historic St. Lawrence Market Neighbourhood
                Front Street between Scott and Jarvis Streets
     Thursday and Friday 12 noon-10pm; Saturday 11am-11pm; Sun 11am-8pm
    Admission is FREE with a voluntary donation to benefit Epilepsy Toronto
               For information visit www.torontobuskerfest.com