Cavalcade of Lights-Toronto

Tonight marked the 47th annual Cavalcade of Lights, featuring the illumination of Toronto's official Christmas tree. Around 6:15, the zamboni was clearing off the ice surface and there were skaters suited up waiting for a swing, glide or trip on the rink. At that time you could see through the crowd, but by 7:00 when the show began, with CHUMFM, Breakfast TV hosts, and a few songs from Choir Choir Choir, there was a sea of people waiting for the illumination of the tree to unveil...not before a surprise guest...

Yes our very own Mayor Rob Ford. Enthusiastic, happy, boisterous and everything we expect from him at this point. He started the count down and hundreds of thousands of paper confettis vanished into the sky, our hair and the gaping mouths of spectators at the same time.

The tree was lit up, and then performances by Tyler Shaw, Cold Specks and R&B soul singer Divine Brown (what a beautiful voice she has too) and Carvin Winans.

There were fireworks afterwards, and an open air skating party with DJ Dopey for the younger crowd. The tree lights continue to light up the square for the remainder of the holiday season so if you missed it tonight, there are plenty of other opportunities.

Nathan Phillips Square ice rink is always open during the winter months for skating (weather permitting) and skate rentals are available on site as well, for those of us who never did quite keep that pair of skates through childhood.
































Courtesy of

Peter Mykusz -Enjoy this video:Enjoy this video

Liberty Grand (Heritage Walk)

The Liberty Grande is a unique, three-sided structure and was built in 1926 to house the exhibits of the Ontario Government during each CNE. It was constructed with the influence of the Beaux-Arts style by the architectural firm of Chapman & Oxley (who won architects of the year in 1926).  It marks the entrance to the grounds from the Dominion Gate of Exhibition Place.

In 1986, the Ontario Government Building was designated as historically significant under the Ontario Heritage Act.  It now operates as a multi-room and multi-use special events facility.  In 2008 the Liberty Grande was featured in the Toronto Doors Open for Photographers.

There was a special function going on during the heritage walk, so most of the facilities were cordoned off for over 3,000 guests.   These pictures I took don't come close in showing the beauty of the ballrooms and dining areas.  This was the service entrance off to the side of the building.

The Liberty Grand has 27 foot hand carved wooden ceilings, 10 chandeliers, marble foyers, water falls and an outdoor and private courtyard, that I'm told is stunning in the summertime.  Every year they host over 400 events consisting of weddings and corporate galas, product launches, fashion shows, film festival parties and fund raisers. 

Their website has some beautiful pictures of the interior, and dinner menus.  I love looking at fancy dinner menus that describe food in such a beautiful way