Canada 150 - Ontario150 - Marks the Largest Celebration in the GTA

This morning, Mayor Frank Scarpitti revealed the exciting lineup the City of Markham has planned for Markham Expo 150! The free three-day event promises to deliver something for all ages. This festival celebrates Canada's and Ontario's 150 anniversary of confederation, while showcasing Markham’s rich history, sports, arts and culture, agriculture and diversity.

Canadian singer-songwriter, Jessica Mitchell helped to kick off the Markham Expo 150 celebrations with an acoustic performance at this morning's press conference. Jessica Mitchell is one of three ONtour Concert acts performing at Markham Civic Centre on Sunday, September 10, which also includes Barenaked Ladies and Tyler Shaw.

Other Markham Expo 150 highlights include:

• Live entertainment and musical performances such as singing impressionist André-Philippe Gagnon, stand-up comedian Ali Hassan, Markham Concert Band, Soprano Andrea Nuñez, Blu Soul, Singer Katharine Reyes, Markham Star Search finalists and Canadian Chinese pop singer Eric Fok.Multifaith Celebration, Around the World in 80
• Minutes Cultural Performances, Markham in Time – A Retrospective Presentation and a Fashion Show featuring Linda Lundström and the Eabametoong First Nation Sewing Circle.
• Good eats from GTA’s hottest food trucks.
• Children’s Fun Zone with a variety of children’s entertainment, crafts, inflatables, train ride, mascots and free activities for the kids from York Regional Police, Markham Public Library and the Varley Art Gallery.
• Markham Showcase featuring community groups.
• Art Expo featuring diversity of artwork.
• First Nations Celebration featuring artwork, crafts and activities.

Wrapping up with Markham’s biggest ever fireworks show!

Markham Expo 150 Event Programming

Music Under the Stars Friday, September 8 | 8 - 9:30 PM A night of music at the Millennium Bandstand on Main Street Unionville.
Berczy Statue Dedication Ceremony Saturday, September 9 | 2 - 3:30 PM Located at Berczy Square in Upper Unionville, this monument pays tribute to one of Markham's founders.
A Night of Fun Saturday, September 9 | 8 - 10:30 PM Join us for a night of entertainment featuring comedian, Ali Hassan and singing impressionist, André-Philippe Gagnon at the Markham Civic Centre.
Markham Expo 150 Signature Events Sunday, September 10 | 10:30 AM - 10 PM A full day of music, culture and fun happens at the MarkhamExpo 150 signature events at the Markham Civic Centre.The day includes: parade, main stage performances and entertainment, food trucks, Children’s Fun Zone, Markham Showcase, Art Expo, First Nations Celebrations, ONtour Concert and Markham’s biggest ever fireworks show.

Quotes

Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti
“We are excited to celebrate Markham Expo 150, in the context of Canada and Ontario’s 150th birthdays. Markham has contributed to the culture, art and history of our province and our nation. We are proud to be part of what makes Canada great. We’re going to have an amazing 150 celebration! Come join us from September 8 to 10!”

Michael Chan, M.P.P., Markham-Unionville
“Mayor Scarpitti and the City of Markham know how to deliver a fantastic event and Expo 150 will be the best ever! Our government is proud to be a supporting partner for this exciting festival that will draw our community together and offer a thrilling entertainment experience as diverse as our vibrant population. I look forward to seeing everyone there for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for people of all ages to celebrate our City and the pride we feel in everything Ontario!”

Photos:

Singer/songwriter Jessica Mitchell performs live at the Markham Expo 150 Press Conference.

From left to right: Town Crier John Webster; Quisha Wint; Michelle White; Eric Fok; Mayor Frank Scarpitti; Jessica Mitchell; Jonathan Michael

Video

For more information:

Markham Expo 150 Fact Sheets [PDF]

Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti: mayorscarpitti@markham.ca or 905.475.4872.

Media inquiries / interview requests: Corporate Communications & Community Engagement Department at media@markham.ca or 905.415.7548.