Mayor John Tory donned his skates in the name of cultural diversity and hosted a New Year’s skating party including Caribbean entertainers at the inaugural Celebrate Scarborough last Saturday at Scarborough Civic Centre.
Tory moved the annual New Year’s event from the usual spot at Nathan Phillips Square to Albert Campbell Square to meet and greet the community.
The day included a free multi-cultural program graced with among others calypsonian Dovie, Mabouya Dance Group, Spanish Cultural Performance, Enrique and of course a participation song by the late Calypsonian Arrow by the participants, Feelin’ Hot, Hot, Hot.
“While it used to be the case that you used to give people a cup of tea and you’d stand in a long lineup to have a picture taken with the mayor, we decided we’d do something different last year and have some winter fun outside,” Tory told the audience.
Chin Lee, chair of Scarborough Community Council, said, “This special event brings us Scarborites together to celebrate Scarborough’s rich diversity, our established neighbourhoods, authentic international cuisine, mature parklands, and pristine beaches.”
Lee said that even as residents celebrate “we must remain mindful of how we can and should help our less fortunate neighbours in reaching their potential to fully contribute to society and the socio-economic fabric of Scarborough, this great part of the City of Toronto.”
Among the sponsors was Scarborough Arts, Putting the Arts on the Map. The community organization interacts with the community using all forms of art as the catalyst to build a strong sense of belonging and shared purpose at the local, grassroots level.
Scarborough Arts offers free art programs with something for all ages, skill levels and interests.