42nd running of North America's biggest festival kicks off in Toronto

    TORONTO, July 14 /CNW/ - Launching the official festival at Yonge and
Dundas Square today, Scotiabank Caribana highlighted the upcoming events and
festivities that will delight audiences over the next few weeks, complementing
the festival's slogan, "Won't Stop the Vibe". The launch featured performances
by Soca artists, pan orchestra and a special performance from cast members of
the new musical, The Harder They Come.
    "This year's slogan, 'Won't Stop the Vibe' is really fitting for
Scotiabank Caribana this summer," said Joe Halstead, Scotiabank Caribana
Festival Management Committee Chair & CEO. "We're in our 42nd year and have
more support than ever from the community, from the City, the Province, the
Country and from our sponsors. We are looking forward to all of the festival's
events and the many more we have added this year."
    The Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Natural Resources, and Monique
Smith, Minister of Tourism, took to the outdoor stage at the Yonge and Dundas
Square and recognized Scotiabank Caribana as a key cultural event for Toronto.
Both ministers noted that Scotiabank Caribana was both an attraction and an
economic engine. In 2008, Scotiabank Caribana attracted some 1.3 million
visitors and generated an estimated $350 million in economic activity for the
City, the Province, and the Nation.
    "With all the fabulous costumes, music, food and energy at today's
launch, it really feels like the Caribbean Vibe is in Toronto again," said
Wendy Hannam, Scotiabank Executive Vice-President, Personal Banking &
Distribution, Canada. "At this time, we can all use a really great summer
celebration, and that's exactly what Scotiabank Caribana is - a celebration of
the amazing diversity that we're lucky to have here in Toronto. Scotiabank is
proud to support cultural events like this festival - one that has become one
of the greatest summer traditions in Toronto."This year's Scotiabank Caribana events include:

    Calypso Monarch Finals, Jul 18: Where the Calypso Monarch is crowned, at
    the best and biggest Canadian Calypsonian battle for crown. From the
    tropical to the lyrical, the sweet soca rhythms will lift you out of your
    seat and get you moving.

    Junior Carnival, Jul 18: Junior Carnival provides festival goers and the
    surrounding community the opportunity to experience the trills and joys
    as young masqueraders participate in their early festival years.

    Scotiabank Caribana Art Exhibition, Jul 23-Aug 3: The Association of
    African Canadian Artists presents original paintings and sculptures that
    have been influenced by the diversity of our people.

    Scotiabank Caribana Gala, Jul 24: An evening of elegance celebrating
    Carnival Music and Arts

    Clash of Tents, Jul 29: NEW 2009 EVENT! Enjoy the lyrical and topical
    compositions of two Rival casts of singers vying to have the last word in
    the calypso season's final musical showdown. Enjoy the humour and social
    commentary of this storytelling art form.

    King & Queen Show, Jul 30: The Thursday before the Scotiabank Caribana
    Parade, all the Kings & Queens of the Bands meet to do battle. Like
    peacocks they will primp and preen, eliciting oohs and aahs from the
    audience. It is an honour for any reveler to be enthroned the King or
    Queen of a band.

    Pan Alive, Jul 31: A thrilling evening showcasing the musical and tonal
    qualities of the steelpan as members of the Ontario Steelband Association
    compete before a panel of judges.

    Scotiabank Caribana Parade, Aug 1: This showcase event features an
    incredible display of colours and pageantry. Toronto will come alive with
    the sights and sounds of Carnival.

    Scotiabank Caribana Tent Theatres, Aug 1: NEW 2009 EVENT! Be entertained
    by our hottest soca and calypso artists as you relax and enjoy the
    glorious Parade of masquerade bands along Lakeshore Blvd. The event takes
    place at Marilyn Bell Park.

    Scotiabank Caribana After Parade Fusion, Aug 1: NEW 2009 EVENT! After
    having fun on the Lakeshore, come and enjoy a spectacular open-air
    evening concert celebrating carnival music in all the latest flavours.

    De Scotiabank Caribana Lime, Aug 2: This event will highlight the various
    cultures of all of the Caribbean people. It's a celebration of food,
    song, dance, theatrical drama and story telling.

    Caribana Tent Villages goes to Ontario Place, Aug 3: NEW 2009 EVENT!
    Enter the fantasy world of Scotiabank Caribana Mas bands, as we invite
    you to follow a Disney-styled parade through this major tourist
    attraction. Experience the artistry of carnival costumes and dance to the
    magical sounds of steelpan music on the water.

    For a full list of events and locations, please visit
    www.caribanafestival.com/events.htmlThis year's festival has more support than ever before. Scotiabank
Caribana's festival sponsors include: The Federal Government, The Province of
Ontario, the City of Toronto, Tourism Toronto, Scotiabank, CTV, CP24 -
Toronto's Breaking News, The Toronto Sun, CFRB, Sway Magazine, Toronto Lime,
The Caribbean Camera, Research In Motion (RIM)/BlackBerry, State Farm
Insurance, The Greater Toronto Airports Authority, the Royal Ontario Museum,
Liberty Grand, Westin Harbour Castle, Ed Mirvish, Breyers Ice Cream, and the
Caribana Arts Group.
    The Scotiabank Caribana Festival is an exciting two-week cultural
explosion of Caribbean music, cuisine, revelry as well as visual and
performing arts. Now in its 42nd year, it has become a major international
event and the largest cultural festival of its kind in North America. As
Scotiabank Caribana is an international cultural phenomenon, the great
metropolis of Toronto and its environs will come alive as the city explodes
with the pulsating rhythms and melodies of Calypso, Soca, Reggae, Chutney, and
Steel Pan music. The Festival Management Committee oversees the running of
North America's largest outdoor festival.
    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 2008 the Bank provided around $43 million in sponsorships and
donations to a variety of projects and initiatives, primarily in the areas of
healthcare, education, social services and arts and culture. Please visit us
at www.scotiabank.com.