Get in on Carifest 2010

Attention, Caribbean vendors, Carnival masquerade bands and Singers:

The Caribbean Community Council of Calgary is proud to announce the dates and our plans for the 2010 festival season.

After a fantastic turnout for last year's Sunshine Festival on June 13th we hope to grow on the success of the event with the re-addition of some previously notable events. There has been a healthy injection of funds into the organization over the last year which will allow for some exciting expansion of the festival.

2010's CARIFEST will start on June 5th with the CARIBBEAN GOSPEL CONCERT. The concert will be helmed by eseteemed members of the National Black Coalition of Canada (Calgary) who put on Gospel events throughout the city annually. This event has proven to draw well over 1000 patrons in the past and this year we hope to exceed that number.

On Friday June 11th , CARIFEST will expand to include the FRIDAY NIGHT GALA. This event is planned as Calgary's re-introduction to “MAS”. Individual Male and Female Carnival costumes will compete for cash and prizes on the night as well as a Caribbean Music competition to fill out an over 2hr evening event.

This will all lead into Saturday June 12th 2010 which will start the morning with The CARIFEST PARADE down Stephen Avenue, ending at the Festival grounds, OLYMPIC PLAZA. Carnival bands from all over Canada are encouraged to partake, as this year the competition will be for thousands of dollars in cash, prizes and trophies. Substantial prizing returns for best band, and individual prizes for those who enter costumes in the Friday night show.

The entire Saturday will of course be fun filled as the sights and sounds of the Caribbean fill the Olympic Plaza. With the resounding success of last year, Carifest will expand the offerings on the grounds to more vendors, more entertainment and a larger capacity beer garden. The event will once again be FREE to the public and run all the way until 7pm. 
Final details on prizing and criteria for the PARADE and FRIDAY NIGHT will be announced soon, as will updated cost to vendors for the SUNSHINE FESTIVAL.  The Council will continue its annual commitement to helping from within the community as a significan portion of proceeds from events will be donated to the Haitian relief effort.

To stay informed please check out: www.carifestcalgary.com or send an email to admin@carifestcalgary.com.

We look forward to you getting involved in Calgary's re-energized CARIFEST for 2010 and expanding the culture to the masses!