Sunday, September 1st I will be leading a group through a tour of Kensington and China Town and then on to the Ashkenaz Festival at Harbour front.
We are meeting at 9:30 a.m. at the North-East corner of Spadina and Dundas. This will be a narrated tour of China Town and Kensington taking in the local landmarks, stores, foods and markets. We will proceed down to Harbour Front to join in the Ashkenaz Festival. This Festival is a dynamic, multi-media celebration of Yiddish/Jewish life that had its roots in Kensington. The last festival in '99 attracted over 70,000 people. It runs for three days and most events are free.
We will be attending as a group one the highlight of the festival the Ashkenaz Pageant. It is made up of Colourful revellers, singers, dancers, stilt walkers and clowns that will lead crowds, including us, around the Harbourfront Centre site in The Ashkenaz Pageant. Youll join in the celebration of this vibrant ancient culture flourishing in a new land. The procession wends a circuitous path eastward from the Ann Tindal Stage to the Queen's Quay Terminal, and then shifts south towards the lake. At lakeside, the Pageant, its gorgeous banners held high, moves past the Harbourfront Centre Concert Stage to create a glorious finale in the park. The beauty is in the journey: in the music and the wonderfully designed decor of the marvellous Shadowland group, led by Anne Barber and Brad Harley.
After the Ashkenaz Pageant you can stay on your own enjoying more Jewish music, dance, theatre, visual art, food and much, much more. You don't have to be Jewish to come to Ashkenaz. This is a festival to be appreciated by all people from all cultures. For mor information can also check out www.ashkenazfestival.com
The cost of the tour is $5.00. You are requested to get a TTC All Day Pass. The cost is $7.50 and on Sunday two adults can travel on one ticket. Again we will meet at the North-East corner of Spadina and Dundas at 9:30 a.m. I will give you a narrated historic tour of China Town and Kensington for two hours leaving at 11 a.m. for the Ashkenaz Festival at Harbourfront. The Ashkenaz Pageant parade starts at 11:30 a.m. and last about and hour. After that you are free to take in the rest of the Festival on your own or just wonder the Harbourfront.
If you are coming call me directly now at 416-929-7261 for reservations.