New this year: Scotiabank CHIN Rising Star Contest; Toronto's Shawn Desman to perform

TORONTO, April 23, 2012 /CNW/ - This Canada day weekend, pack up your picnic basket for the 2012 Scotiabank CHIN International Picnic, the world's largest free multicultural festival and one of Toronto's greatest traditions. New additions to the 500 world class performers and 15 cultural communities are the Scotiabank CHIN International Picnic Rising Star Competition and performances by Toronto's Shawn Desman.

"We encourage people to come out to the 46^th Annual Scotiabank CHIN International Picnic to witness "the world in your backyard" and experience the culture, food and music," said Lenny Lombardi, President of CHIN Radio/TV International. "The Scotiabank CHIN International Picnic has grown from a small community get together, into the largest free music and cultural festival in the world, and truly characterizes the heart and soul of Toronto, reflecting our diverse cultural mosaic."

Scotiabank CHIN International Picnic Rising Star Contest

The Scotiabank CHIN International Picnic Rising Star Contest is an exciting addition to the Scotiabank CHIN Picnic this year. To enter, contestants are asked to submit a video of themselves singing an original song between April 16, 2012, and May 15, 2012.  All eligible entries will be posted at www.scotiabankchinpicnic.com on May 16, 2012 and the public will have the chance to vote for their favourite singer. Online voting takes place from May 16, 2012 to June 18, 2012. The Top Five Finalists will be announced on June 22, 2012, and will perform LIVE at the Scotiabank CHIN International Picnic on Canada Day in front of an audience and judging panel. The First Place Grand Prize Winner will receive $3,000 and be crowned the Scotiabank CHIN International Picnic Rising Star. For full contest details please visit: www.scotiabankchinpicnic.com.

"The Scotiabank CHIN International Picnic is a true celebration of the widespread diversity across the GTA and Scotiabank's support of this festival exemplifies our commitment to giving back to the multicultural communities that make this city so vibrant," said Winnie Leong, Vice-President, Multicultural Banking, Scotiabank. "As Canada's most international bank, with operations in some 50 countries, Scotiabank is fortunate to be part of many communities in Canada and around the world."

The CHIN International Picnic 2012 has something for everyone this year including;World Beat Music headlined by top performers from Italy, Portugal, South Asia, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Caribbean and Latin America; Sporting Events including a LIVE Wrestling and Boxing Shows; Children's Activities including Team K9 Dog Challenge, Wild Animal Showcase, Zero Gravity Circus Shows, Petting Zoo and Pony Rides, Amusement Park Rides; Cultural Local Showcases such as the legendary Folklore Dance Competition, as well as Italian, Portuguese, Chinese, South Asian, Caribbean, Filipino, Polish and Latino Festivals all weekend long.

For schedule details go to www.chinradio.com or email: info@chinradio.com

About CHIN Radio/TV International:

The CHIN International Picnic is produced by CHIN radio /TV international; a Canadian radio and television broadcaster that produces and airs programming in over 30 different languages. The contribution of CHIN Radio to the cause of multiculturalism, understanding and tolerance between people of many national, racial and religious origins has been recognized and acknowledged throughout Canada.

CHIN is the first fully multicultural/multilingual station licensed in Canada. CHIN's three radio stations reach out in a multitude of languages serving Ontario's diverse cultural communities on CHIN AM1540/fm91.9 and CHIN FM100.7 in Toronto and CJLL 97.9FM in Ottawa.  CHIN Radio is also carried live over the internet on www.chinradio.com

About Scotiabank:

Scotiabank is committed to supporting the communities in which we live and work, both in Canada and abroad, through our global philanthropic program, Scotiabank Bright Future.  Recognized as a leader internationally and among Canadian corporations for our charitable donations and philanthropic activities, Scotiabank has provided on average approximately $45 million annually to community causes around the world over each of the last five years. Visit us at www.scotiabank.com.