TORONTO, ON - June 27, 2014 /CNW/ - Forty-eight years and going strong, the Scotiabank CHIN International Picnic is Canada's first and longest running free multicultural festival. The iconic event attracts over 250,000 attendees every year by delivering on what Torontonians love -- a cultural experience. Full event schedule and grounds map available at scotiabankchinpicnic.com.

Event highlights include:

MISS CHIN BIKINI & MR CHIN INTERNATIONAL 2014
What: The beautiful and handsome contenders will compete for the iconic titles of Miss CHIN Bikini and Mr. CHIN International. For the first time all competitors will take the stage in a World Cup themed choreographed performance. Vote online for your top pick. 
When: June 28^th at 1:00 p.m.
Where: Bandshell Stage, Exhibition Place

FERNANDO VARELA
Who: This international singing sensation is an America's Got Talent finalist, and has performed alongside an incredible list of musical royalty including Barbra Streisand, Lionel Richie, Neil Diamond and 16 time Grammy winner, David Foster. 
When: June 28^th at 3:30 p.m. 
Where: Bandshell Stage, Exhibition Place

GRAND FESTIVAL OF FIREWORKS
What: Enjoy the magical, colourful, and spectacular Grand Festival of Fireworks. Pyro masterminds and GFA from Montreal will dazzle the sky! 
When: June 28^th at 10 p.m. 
Where: Lakefront, CHIN Picnic Grounds

THE SCOTIABANK RISING STAR SINGING CONTEST
The increasingly popular RISING STAR Singing Contest returns to the Picnic this summer. Ten Semifinalists, as selected by online vote, will sing for the chance to win the top prize of $3000. 
When: Semi Finals - June 28^th at 5 p.m., Finals- July 1 at 8 p.m.
Where: Bandshell Stage, Exhibition Place

The 48^th annual Scotiabank CHIN International Picnic will take place:

WHEN: 
Saturday, June 28, 12PM - 11PM
Sunday, June 29, 12PM-11PM
CLOSED Monday, June 30
Tuesday, July 1, 12PM-11PM

WHERE:
Bandshell Stage, Exhibition Place, Toronto

FREE ADMISSION
Twitter hashtag: #CHINPicnic_

Media should meet at the Media table at 12:30pm on Saturday, June 28th for a guided tour of the grounds by CHIN International President, Lenny Lombardi. The media table is located at the east side of the Bandshell Stage on the Exhibition Place grounds.

Please confirm attendance in advance by contacting Anita Verma, averma@buzzpr.ca. 416-998-5942

The Scotiabank CHIN International Picnic 2014 has something for everyone! From international entertainment to Sporting Events to shop 'til you drop shopping and exhibits. LIVE Wrestling produced by MAGEN Brothers Entertainment; LIVE Boxing matches produced and hosted by BOXING ONTARIO and featuring a provincial competition between boxing clubs from Ontario and Quebec. Children's Activities include Fun Zone, Team K9 Dog Challenge, Fantasy Family Circus Shows, Petting Zoo and Pony Rides, and Midway Amusement Park and Rides, Shopping and Exhibits will feature retailers and specialty vendors. Fireworks Extravaganza Show will be featured on Saturday June 28th from the lakefront of the Picnic grounds! Admission to the Scotiabank CHIN Picnic is FREE! For full schedule details visit www.scotiabankchinpicnic.com 

About CHIN Radio/TV International: The CHIN International Picnic is a production of 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 a leading financial services provider in over 55 countries and Canada's most international bank. Through Bright Future, our global philanthropic program, Scotiabank and its employees support causes at a grassroots level across six pillars: health, education, social services, arts and culture, environment and sports. Recognized as a leader for our charitable donations and philanthropic activities, Scotiabank has contributed on average some $50 million annually over the last five years to community causes around the world. Visit us at www.scotiabank.com.

For additional information, images or interview requests, please contact: 
Anita Verma
BuzzPR 
416-998-5942 
averma@buzz.pr.ca