Toronto Mayor Rob Ford & Mayoral Candidates Olivia Chow & John Tory Confirmed to Attend CARIBANA™

TORONTO - July 11, 2014 - PRLog -- Toronto Mayor Rob Ford has confirmed with the offices of CARIBANA™ Arts Group that he will attend the Flags and Colours parade on July 12^th, 2014 in the community of Jane and Finch.

Always concerned about the youth, and especially youth from priority neighbourhoods, the Mayor’s attendance is estimated to increase visibility of the work and partnership that goes in to creating opportunities for children who need it the most.

In addition to Mayor Rob Ford, Mayoral candidates Olivia Chow and John Tory will also attend the festive event.  Ms. Chow is on record as being very supportive of the arts.  While at Lula Lounge in Toronto, she recently said "our economy is built on many pillars, and the creative industries are one of the most important.  It's time we recognized the sector’s importance to our economy and quality of life, and acted on the decent plan we have.”

John Tory’s presence and support for community events, particularly events in the Black community is on record.  Believing in the power of One, Mr. Tory contends “I believe in one city, One Toronto; to build for the future, with jobs and transit across the city.  To do so we need to work together.”

Joining junior revelers as they masquerade handmade costumes, The Mayor and Mayoral candidates presence at CARIBANA™ Flags and Colours demonstrates collective commitment to the arts.

Now in its 15th year (3rd as Flags and Colors) this event has become one of the highlights in the Jane and Finch community, which sees hundreds of families enjoy the festivities of Caribbean culture, and participate in the costume making process.

The 2014 festival is proud to welcome Soca legend Anslem Douglas, panist Pan Man Pat, Hip Hop star Subliminal aka Sean Mauricette, soca teen sensation Ngozi, the Ngoma drumming ensemble, Pass The Torch and more to its stage on Saturday July 12^th, 2014 for CARIBANA™ Flags and Colours – Junior Carnival.

Toronto’s colourful and annual affair takes place at Yorkgate Mall in the Jane and Finch community which sees hundreds of children and youth dressed in costumes that are a reflection of the rich cultural heritage of Caribbean carnival. They will be on display as masqueraders parade along the route from Jane Street and Shoreham Drive, south to the Yorkgate Mall parking lot. The parade will begin at 12 noon and end at 1:00 p. m. Live entertainment will follow until 5:00 p. m.

This year is expected to be ground breaking for CARIBANA™ Flags and Colours since part of its outreach includes agreements with the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) and Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) to visit schools in the community to show costumes and make presentations. The organization will also work closely with York Gate Mall management, Toronto Police Services (31 Division), the Jane and Finch Boys and Girls Club, JFCCO,  and other community groups to continue to have a significant impact on the culture, economy and social development of the area.

Now in its 47^th year, CARIBANA™ focuses on the Caribbean carnival arts and their potential to create positive change in the lives of children. This year, the organization aims to have 500 children in the parade.

For further information about CARIBANA™ Flags and Colours contact Henry Gomez via email:  henrygomez@caribana.com or by calling 647-655-6282. Also contact Monica Pollard via email: monica@caribana.com or by calling 416.706.4848. Send media inquiries to Natasha Von Castle via email: L3Publicity@gmail.com.  General inquiries may be answered at www.caribana.com