Get involved in Carifest 2010

Attention, CARIBBEAN VENDORS, COSTUME BANDS, AND SINGERS:

The Caribbean Community Council of Calgary is proud to announce the dates and our plans for the 2010 festival season. These include added events, incentives and prizing for Carifest!


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 esteemed 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, starting at OLYMPIC PLAZA at 11:00am and ending at the Festival grounds, SHAW MILLENNIUM PARK. 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 Calgary's Downtown. 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.

The Council will continue its annual commitment to helping from within the community as a significant 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!


Regards,
Carifest President
Drew Allum

Carifest Donates to Haiti relief

In response to the devastating earthquake that hit south of Port-au-Prince Haiti on January 12, the Caribbean Community Council of Calgary has quickly come together to do what we can in terms of monetary aid to the troubled nation.  In addition to the individual pledges from members, the executive and the board of directors, The Council has allocated an intial $2000 to be sent to Haiti relief efforts.  The efforts will be ongoing for 2010 on our part, and we will be sending proceeds when we can as the year goes on.  We urge members of the Caribbean Community and visitors to this site as a whole, to get involved.  The Government of Canada has created the Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund. For every eligible dollar donated by individual Canadians, the Government of Canada will contribute one dollar to the Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund, up to a total of $50 million


For further information on donations from Canada, click here: 
Government of Canada's Haiti Earthquake Relief fund

Gospel Show - Sat Jun 5th 2010

Carifest proudly re-introduces the Gospel Show to kick of Carifest 2010! Here are some of the choirs performing.

Headlining this year will be "Essence of Praise" from Edmonton.

The Essence of Praise (EOP) This Choir is based out of Bethel United Church of Jesus Christ (Apostolic) in Edmonton, Alberta Canada, where Reverend O.G. Simpson is the Pastor (www.buctoday.com). EOP creates dynamic melodies with rich harmonies whether they are performing as a quartet or a 25-strong choir. The choir is known for their hype gospel flair, hand clapping, feet stomping, traditional and soulful arrangements, and mostly for their love of Praise & Worship

Also Performing; the Berean International Youth Church Choir,
'Showers of Blessing' Choir, Devon Powell, Dalton Francis, The 4Gs,
Diversity Dance Troupe,

New Look

Hey. We've been hard at work updating Carifest Calgary to reflect the things we have in-store for this year. You will see more frequent posts, as well as the newest music and videos featured here. Enjoy.

The Carifest Calgary Team