Vaughan plays host to 15th anniversary Communities in Bloom symposium

The beginning of fall is a bloomin’ good time for Vaughan to shine on the national stage.

From Sept. 29 to Oct. 4, the city will play host to the 2009 Communities in Bloom National Symposium on Parks and Grounds and its anticipated 800 visitors.

The six-day event, which marks Communities in Bloom’s 15th anniversary, will feature seminars on urban beautification and the resulting impact on tourism, showcases by participating cities, and the not-for-profit organization’s Ontario and national awards ceremonies.

In June, the provincial government handed the city a $119,250 tourism development grant to help support the symposium.

“The conference will build our profile as a tourist destination,” Councillor Tony Carella said at the time. “It will highlight our community, our hospitality, our cultural attractions and our business strengths.”

To coincide with the national symposium, the city is also holding a celebration of its diversity: The Multicultural Festival, set for 7 p.m. on Oct. 1 at Riviera Parque Banquet and Convention Centre, is meant to show off Vaughan’s ethnic diversity through food and entertainment.

The festival is set to include performances by South Asian Dancers, Temple Kol Ami Choir and the Thornhill African Caribbean Canadian Association, among others. Citytv personalities Francis D’Souza and Merella Fernandez will emcee the event.

For complete schedules and ticket information for the Multicultural Festival and the 2009 Communities in Bloom National Symposium on Parks and Grounds, visit www.vaughan.ca.

Vaughan Today
In print: September 25, 2009, page 4
Online: September 26, 2009 [link]