NEWS RELEASE

CARNIVAL NORTH

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Last yr, South Georgian Bay acquired its first native style of the Caribbean—a pageant harking back to Caribana Toronto, North America’s largest Caribbean pageant. With virtually 700 company and the Toronto Revellers as headliners, it was a smash success.

Entertainment up, ticket value down

This yr, Carnival North is doubling down on leisure whereas chopping the value of entry from $45 to $25 to spice up each accessibility and attendance.

“We had such a fun time last year, people raved about it,” smiles Kicha Holden, one of many essential occasion organizers. “We know that for people from the Caribbean, Carnival, J’ouvert, Mardi Gras or Caribana (it’s called different things in different regions) is a family affair. Now it’s even better, especially with a dedicated Kid Zone play area, but more affordable for mom, dad, kids, grandparents to all come and enjoy the party.”

All-day household enjoyable

The occasion that brings Caribbean vitality to southern Georgian Bay takes place Saturday, Aug. 12 2 to 11 p.m. within the beer backyard, a lush stretch of garden, on the Collingwood Brewery. It consists of an all-day roster of musical leisure, performances, dancing and a devoted Kids’ zone, full with impediment course, inflatables, basketball and a carnival marquis, a spot the place children can have enjoyable on their very own.

The essential occasion: Toronto Revellers

Members of the Toronto Revellers might be in attendance from the beginning, placing on performances all through the afternoon and occurring into the evening. Founded by bandleader and former Toronto Raptor Jamaal Magloire, the Revellers is a collective of masqueraders and performers who headline at Toronto’s annual Toronto Caribbean Carnival, successful Best in Show at Carnival 21 instances: greatest costumes, greatest presentation of a band.

Carnival North particulars

    •    Tickets and Info online

    •    Where: The Collingwood Brewery, 10 Sanford Fleming Dr., Collingwood

    •    What: An genuine Caribbean pageant together with meals, drink, music, dancing, performances, devoted baby play space, and extra

    •    Notes: no canines allowed.

    •    When: 2 to 11 p.m. Saturday, August 12

    •    Cost: 18 and older $25, 4-17 years outdated $15, 0-3 years outdated Free

    •    Transport Lots of free parking; stroll/bike by way of Collingwood Trails

    •    Social media: Facebook, Instagram

Island food and drinks

Food is an enormous a part of Caribbean tradition and Carnival North is not going to disappoint. Angie’s Place Caribbean Eatery, a Stayner establishment for over 20 years, might be serving up delectable curries and rotis for buy, whereas Barrie’s Creative Bean will present extra dishes, together with Doubles, a tasty all-vegan fried delight. There may even be ice cream on supply.

Our well-known Rum Punch is again, due to native distillery Heretic Spirits, in addition to The Collingwood Brewery’s ice-cold Caribanna Lager, a crisp, approachable beer with a touch of citrus hops, brewed particularly for Carnival North  by head brewer Chris Freeman.

Guests may even discover different Caribbean drinks, a number of non-alcoholic drinks, plus a water station.

Caribbean spirit increasing north

Holden and Burke see Carnival North as a testomony to the proliferation of Caribbean exterior of the Caribbean, and outdoors of the GTA, up to now 30 years. It’s additionally accessible to locals who need a style of residence.

“Terrisa and Nelson from Trinidad own the Pastel Hut in Thornbury,” says Burke. “They don’t want to drive all the way to Toronto and spring for an expensive hotel and two days of restaurant meals. Carnival doesn’t need to be an expensive weekend.” She rattles off extra names of locals who’re trying ahead to a style of residence.

The Collingwood Library provides depth to the Carribean theme with a show of Caribbean historical past from July 31 to Aug. 12. It focuses on the pioneers of Carnival, from 18th Century to the trendy age, by way of calypso to soca music. Get a close-up take a look at the costumes on show, historic information and artifacts of Island tradition in Simcoe from years gone previous.

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