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TORONTO'S FAVOURITE FESTIVAL OFFERS FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
Friday, August 5, 2011 - Sunday, August 7, 2011

FOR RELEASE: JULY 28, 2011: TORONTO:
Toronto's favourite street festival has a whole new way to celebrate the fun flavours of Greece and summer in the city. Every year in August, the city of Toronto flocks to GreekTown on the Danforth. Celebrating its 18th year, the Pilaros Taste of the Danforth is Canada's largest street festival, welcoming over 1.3 million visitors.

This year's festival begins on Friday, August 5th at 6:00pm and runs through to Sunday, August 7th at 8:00pm.

A Decima Research poll indicated that 90% of respondents identified "The Taste" as their favourite GTA festival event -- beating out such iconic events as the Toronto International Film Festival, Caribana and Pride Week. The Pilaros Taste of the Danforth won two Toronto Sun Reader's Choice Awards:  a Gold for Favourite Community Festival and a Silver for Favourite Summer Festival.

The festival's title sponsor is Pilaros. Pilaros International Trading Inc. is a leading importer of Mediterranean food products, primarily olives and olive oil, what the ancient Greeks refer to as "the Essence of Life".

This year's festival is "Powered by the Immortals". This Greek-themed action adventure film will be released by Alliance Films on 11-11-11 (November 11, 2011). Years after the Titanomachy, the Titan Hyperion (Mickey Rourke) declares war on humanity. It is left to a peasant named Theseus (Henry Cavill), chosen by Zeus (Luke Evans) and accompanied by the priestess Phaedra (Freida Pinto) and a slave (Stephen Dorff), to protect his homeland and save the gods. For further information on the film, please refer to: www.ImmortalsMovie.ca 

The GTA lays claim to more than 200,000 residents of Greek ancestry, the third largest Hellenic community outside of Greece, and between August 5th and 7th, 2011, everyone who comes to the Danforth gets to be "Greek for the day". But there is much more than the celebration of the Danforth's Greek heritage at the festival. Here is a "taste" of what to expect....
A "Taste" of What to Expect
This year's Pilaros Taste Of The Danforth has loads of fun, family-friendly activities to engage and entertain Torontonians.
The programs, the exhibitors and performers are still being finalized but the following is a "taste" of what is to come:
1. THE CELEBRITY STAGE
- Second City: Join Second City for hilarious, interactive comedy
- Stage West: A tribute to Elvis and Elton John
- Toronto Symphony: Enjoy the Toronto Symphony’s stellar brass quintet's
lively performances
- A Taste of Beauty: Smashbox Cosmetics Celebrity Makeovers
- Frank D'Angelo with his 15-piece R&B band energizes The Taste of the
Danforth
- National Band of the Naval Reserve
- Levon Ichkhanian & Global Village (Contemporary Jazz Music)
- Galaxy (Greek Music)
- Jorge Miguel (Spanish Music)
- CopperTones
- Patrizia (Classical with Rock fusion)
- Arkadia (Greek music)
- Yiannis Kapoulas (Greek music)
- Suzie Vinnick
- Dr. Draw
- Ruben Vazquez and friends (Cuban Music)
- Opa Dancers of London

Check www.tasteofthedanforth.com for updates and announcements.

2. THE BROADVIEW WORLD STAGE
Featuring an eclectic array of music and lifestyle-related programs and performances, including:
- Artists in Motion
- Broken Strings Blues Band
- Daniel Panetta
- Exodus
- Free Nia Class
- Hannan's Bellydance Studio Demo
- Imbayakunas
- Joy of Dance Centre
- Julian Taylor Band
- Moo'd Swing
- Rap artist Shaq
- Rock'n Blues Butcher Band
- Seb Agnello
- Small Wonders Dog Show
- Souls of Steel Orchestra
- Taste After Dark: Toronto's top dancers heat up the night: from "So You
Think You Can Dance Canada" contestants, Tango Soul and Salsa Spectacle
to Urbanesque, male dancers and bellydancing
- Yoga Sanctuary Demo
Check www.tasteofthedanforth.com for updates and announcements.

The Pilaros Taste of the Danforth is pleased to announce that our event will continue to be a great festival for the entire family! Although new legislation came into effect on June 1st regarding liquor at special events, the Festival Board has decided to maintain its family-friendly, safety first policies for 2011 and will continue to confine our alcoholic beverage consumption to our Beer Garden and licensed restaurants, bars and cafés. As we do not want people to walk around the streets with open liquor, we have not applied for the required permits to make this possible. Our prime consideration, at all times, is a positive visitor experience for guests of all ages.

We wanted to ensure that all of our visitors were able to choose for themselves whether they and their families would be around alcohol or not. By limiting drinking to our gardens and establishments, it will remain an individual choice, as those who do wish to have a drink can visit any one of 100+ licensed facilities along the Danforth. As Canada's largest street festival, with over 3 kilometres of activities, entertainment, food sampling and vendor stations, it would be impossible to control underage drinking, excess alcohol consumption or patrons arriving at the festival with their own liquor. By continuing with these safeguards, the Pilaros Taste of the Danforth can maintain its reputation as a family-friendly and safe event which is continually voted as Toronto's favourite festival.

Under the new legislation, festivals are allowed to extend the hours of service in beverage gardens and we are pleased to announce that our Moosehead Beer Garden will be open on Friday evening, August 5th from 6:00pm until 2:00am, on Saturday, August 6th from 12:00pm until 2:00am, and on Sunday, August 7th from 12:00pm until 8:00pm.

The Pilaros Taste of the Danforth -- Powered by the Immortals is Canada's largest street festival, welcoming over 1.3 million visitors. This year's festival begins on Friday, August 5th at 6:00pm and runs0 through to Sunday, August 7th at 8:00pm.

The festival is supported by Ontario Tourism ... Ontario Yours to Discover, as well as the Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation.

The festival's title sponsor is Pilaros International Trading Inc. Pilaros is a leading importer of Mediterranean food products, primarily olives and olive oil, what the ancient Greeks refer to as "the Essence of Life".
This year's festival is Powered by the "Immortals" -- in theatres 11-11-11.
The festival is produced and presented by the GreekTown on the Danforth Business Improvement Area which represents more than 400 food, retail and professional services members.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION OR MEDIA INQUIRIES CONTACT:
Howard Lichtman - howard@lightning-group.com or 416-402-4948

TORONTO'S FAVOURITE FESTIVAL OFFERS FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

FOR RELEASE: July 21, 2010: TORONTO: Toronto's favourite street festival has a whole new way to celebrate the fun flavours of Greece and summer in the city. Every year in August, the city of Toronto flocks to GreekTown on the Danforth. Celebrating its 17th year, the Pilaros Taste Of The Danforth is Canada's largest street festival, welcoming over 1.2 million visitors. A Decima Research poll indicated that 90% of respondents identified "The Taste" as their favourite GTA festival event -- beating out such iconic events as the Toronto International Film Festival, Caribana and Pride Week. Last summer the Pilaros Taste Of The Danforth won two Toronto Sun Reader's Choice Awards:  a Gold for Favourite Community Festival and a Silver for Favourite Summer Festival.
The festival's title sponsor is Pilaros. Pilaros International Trading Inc. is a leading importer of Mediterranean food products, primarily olives and olive oil, what the ancient Greeks refer to as "the Essence of Life".
The GTA lays claim to more than 200,000 residents of Greek ancestry, the third largest Hellenic community outside of Greece, and between August 6th and 8th, 2010, everyone who comes to the Danforth gets to be "Greek for the day". But there is much more than the celebration of the Danforth's Greek heritage at the festival. Here is a "taste" of what to expect ...

A "Taste" of What to Expect
This year's Pilaros Taste Of The Danforth has loads of fun, family-friendly activities to engage and entertain Torontonians.
All three stages offer incredible free entertainment. Who wouldn't want to see a free concert from the Toronto Symphony's brass quintet or have fun with Second City improv? Who wouldn't want to meet some of last season's top winners from "So You Think You Can Dance Canada" or have the opportunity to volunteer for a Celebrity Makeover from Smashbox Cosmetics? You can be charmed by the music of Jesse Labelle or Alyssa Reid, or sing along to a tribute to Neil Diamond and Tom Jones.
In addition to the Greek Stage -- which features everything from Greek music, song and dance to bellydancing -- there is the Broadview Stage, featuring virtually every variety of music from R&B to jazz to rock. There is music from Brazil and Argentina, and even free NIA classes.
And if you have kids, you won't want to miss the Kids' Fun Zone where they can join the Centre of Gravity 'You Can Try It' Circus, or dress like an Ancient Greek. They can experience the Toronto Zoo 'Touch Table' by interacting with pelts, skulls and feathers, and even find out how big the claws of a polar bear are. They can meet both Explorer Bear™ - the Toronto Zoo's mascot - as well as Alex the Beaver, who will be handing out free tickets to the CNE.
The programs, the exhibitors and performers are still being finalized but the following is a "taste" of what is to come:

1. THE CELEBRITY STAGE
- Second City: Join Second City for hilarious, interactive comedy
- Stage West: A tribute to Neil Diamond and Tom Jones
- Toronto Symphony: Enjoy the Toronto Symphony’s stellar brass quintet's lively performance
- So You Think You Can Dance Canada: Meet some of the top winners from last season
- A Taste of Beauty: Smashbox Cosmetics Celebrity Makeovers
- Jesse Labelle: Jesse Labelle is a critically acclaimed singer/songwriter. He recently made waves with his chart-topping single, "Perfect Accident". Jesse’s sound is a cross between John Mayer and Rob Thomas, and he’s been winning the hearts of fans across the country on tour with Faber Drive, The Arkells, and Tom Cochrane.   
- Alyssa Reid: Alyssa Reid's acoustic version of Justin Bieber's "One Less Lonely Girl" turned into a YouTube epidemic.  Her debut single is called ‘If You Are’ and her sound is best described as soul infused pop.   She just completed a cross-Canada tour on Muchmusic’s SodaPOP festival with Emily Osment.
- Frank D'Angelo with his 15-piece R&B band energizes The Taste of the Danforth
- Zero Gravity street performers
- Opa Dancers of London
- Jeanine Mackie: Enjoy phenomenal R&B and jazz
- Daniel Cannis: Broadway music
- The Imbayakunas: Music from Ecuador
- Sol De Cuba: Music from Cuba
- Jorge Miguel: Flamenco music
- Yiannis Kapoulas with Ena K'Ena: Amazing Greek music
- Arkadia - Lively Greek music
... and many more great performers. Check www.tasteofthedanforth.com for updates and announcements.

2. THE BROADVIEW STAGE
Featuring an eclectic array of music and lifestyle-related programs and performances, including:
- Swamp Dawgs - the blues and rock
- Batkucada Carioca Samba & Grupo Afro-lusophone Dancers - Brazilian dance and music group
- Souls of Steel Orchestra
- Daniel Barnes Trio - jazz at its best
- Rock'n Blues Butcher Band - get rockin'
- Embrujo Flamenco Dancers
- Argentine Tango Milonga
- Dancing On The Danforth
- Felinity - hoops
- Free NIA classes
- Hannan's Bellydancing
- Taste Mob Flash Dance - learn the choreography and join the Taste Mob Flash Dance
Check www.tasteofthedanforth.com for updates and announcements.

3. THE GREEK STAGE
Featuring traditional Greek dancers, singers and musicians, including an opportunity for the audience to learn Greek dancing. Some of the performers include:
- Parea - music
- Arabesque Dance Company - bellydancing
- Yiannis Kapoulas with Ena K'Ena - music
- Greek Style M. - music
- Yia Mas - music
- Levendia X - dancing
- Arkadia - music
- Alexandros Hatzis - music
- Knossos Cretan Association Dancers - dancing

4. THE SPORTS ZONE
Including challenges created by Toronto's professional sports teams. Lots of chances for people to test their skills and win prizes:
- Toronto Maple Leafs - visit the Leafs' Mobile Dressing Room
- Toronto Argonauts - test out your football-throwing arm at the Argos' Football Toss
- Toronto Blue Jays - test out your baseball prowess in the Blue Jays' batting cage and pitching cage
- Toronto FC - amazing soccer challenges
- Toronto Rock - lacrosse challenges at its best

5. THE KIDS' FUN ZONE
Offering fun-themed activities including:
The Centre of Gravity Circus Training Studio - The "You Can Try It" Circus - kids from 5 to 14 can try out the classical area circus hoop
The Olympiada featuring:
- Dress like an Ancient Greek
- Build the Acropolis
- Ancient art
- Learn Greek dancing
The Toronto Zoo - experience the amazing "Touch Table" and meet Toronto Zoo's mascot - Explorer Bear™
The CNE brings you Alex the Beaver plus free children's tickets to The Ex
The East York Mirror Kids' Activities Tent - giveaways and contests, colouring and crafts
Free Owl Kids Magazines
The Tennis Pathways Fastest Serve Zone - clock the speed of your serve

6. BEER, WINE & SPIRITS GARDENS
There will be two Carlsberg Beer & Spirits Gardens and one Wine Garden to help keep our thirsty patrons refreshed.

7. GREAT CONTESTS, PRIZES AND FREE SAMPLES FROM A HOST OF EXHIBITORS INCLUDING
Free samples and coupons from Smashbox Cosmetics
Free samples and coupons from Lacoste
Free samples and coupons from riceworks Gourmet Brown Rice Crisps
Free samples of Astro Yogurt Smoothies
Free samples from Hidden Valley Ranch
Free samples from Coke
Free samples from Sensodyne
Free restaurant coupons from Dine.To
Win prizes from Cheetah Power Surge
Great deals from FIDO

8. OPPORTUNITY TO WIN AN AMAZING TRIP
Opportunity to win an Aegean Splendour Trip For Two to Glorious Greece, courtesy of Transat Holidays

9. FOOD, FOOD AND MORE FOOD!
And, of course, dozens and dozens of tasty food stations from Danforth's amazing array of multi-ethnic cuisine

10. The PILAROS TASTE OF THE DANFORTH is a proud supporter of the Toronto East General Hospital.  On Friday, August 6th, at 1pm as part of our "pre-show", celebrities, politicians, members of the media, and corporations will be kicking up their heels with "Beds On Wheels" at the 5th Annual Danforth Dash Bed Race, in support of the Toronto East General Hospital Foundation.  To-date this event, which is hosted by the Pilaros Taste Of The Danforth, has raised in excess of $100,000 towards the Hospital's expansion campaign and the purchase of new electric hospital beds for TEGH.  In addition to supporting the "Danforth Dash" over the years the Taste Of The Danforth has raised more than $1 million in support of our community hospital, Toronto East General.  The event takes place on Danforth just east of Broadview.  To enter a team or for more information, contact Justin Van Dette at 416-469-6218 

The festival is supported by Ontario Tourism ... Ontario, Yours To Discover, as well as the Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation.
The Pilaros Taste Of The Danforth is presented by the GreekTown on the Danforth BIA, in cooperation with the Danforth BIA.

UPDATED INFORMATION AND SCHEDULES
For updated festival programming and schedule information visit:
www.tasteofthedanforth.com

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION OR MEDIA INQUIRIES CONTACTS:
Howard Lichtman - howard@lightning-group.com or 416-402-4948

FOR RELEASE: MAY 16, 2011: TORONTO
2010 was a record-breaking year for the Pilaros Taste of the Danforth, with just under 1.3 million attendees. The GreekTown on the Danforth BIA, the organization that produces the festival, commissioned Enigma Research to conduct an Economic Impact Study. The study reveals that the Taste of the Danforth makes a significant impact on the local economy, generating $32 million in economic activity. Event-related spending alone supported the equivalent of 158 full-year jobs. The festival also generated approximately $4 million in tax revenue.

The Pilaros Taste of the Danforth is supported by the Government of Ontario, through the Celebrate Ontario program, and the Ontario Tourism Event Marketing Partnership. The study revealed that it is also a major driver of regional tourism, with 30% of the attendees travelling 40 kilometres or more.

“The Government of Ontario is proud to support exciting events like The Taste of the Danforth,” said Michael Chan, Minister of Tourism and Culture.  “Festivals showcase the vitality and diversity of our province, attracting visitors and generating jobs that help our economy in turning the corner.”
In 2010, 36% of the attendees were first-time visitors. The festival skews slightly female (55% female and 45% male). It appeals to people of all ages, including family audiences which are thrilled with the Kids' Fun Zone.

The event is very highly rated by the attendees, with over 90% of festival-goers giving a favourable rating to the overall experience. Most visitors plan to attend again this summer, with 91% of locals indicating that they would do so, and 70% of non-locals. The primary reason for not attending this summer is non-availability.

Many people are not aware that through Taste of the Danforth, the GreekTown on the Danforth BIA has raised and donated over two million dollars to the Toronto East General Hospital and other local charities.
Constantine Voidonicolas, Chair of the GreekTown on the Danforth BIA, stated "It's great that so many people have an opportunity to get a 'taste' of what the GreekTown on the Danforth area is all about. People have always loved the experience. The study revealed that 73% of the respondents felt that the event enhanced the quality of life for people in the region. The fact that it also helps the economy, both for business operators within the BIA as well as the GTA in general, is a tribute to the hard work of our volunteer Board of Management."

Planning is well underway for Pilaros Taste of the Danforth 2011. Many of the popular features will be back, including the hundreds of tasting stations from the Danforth restaurateurs, the Celebrity Stage, the Greek Stage, the Broadview World Stage, the Sports Zone, the Kids' Fun Zone, and a plentiful amount of free samples from sponsors.

This summer's 18th annual Pilaros Taste of the Danforth will take place from Friday, August 5th through to Sunday, August 7th.

About the Taste of the Danforth

The Taste of the Danforth was founded 17 years ago in 1994 by the GreekTown on the Danforth BIA. The first festival featured 23 restaurateurs and an eclectic mix of tastes from tasting tables. Approximately 5,000 people attended in the inaugural year. In its second year, attendance had grown to 100,000 and by 1996 the festival had become so large that the Danforth had to be officially closed down to accommodate its over 500,000 visitors. Today approximately 1.3 million attendees flock to the Danforth -- from Broadview to Jones Avenue (approximately 3 kilometres) -- to enjoy food, entertainment and culture, providing them with a 'taste' of what the Danforth area has to offer year-round.
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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION OR MEDIA INQUIRIES CONTACT:
Howard Lichtman - howard@lightning-group.com or 416-402-4948