Turning the Distillery District into the Toronto Christmas Market
Every event requires planning, in most cases the more the better. The Toronto Christmas Market in the Historic Distillery District, then, is no exception; workers began prepping the area nearly a month ago to ensure the Distillery (which can look sombre against the colourless November skies) was in a state of continuous improvement and all set for the Dec. 2 opening of the 2nd annual Toronto Christmas Market.
The first sign of Christmas in the Distillery came when Trees Ontario donated a 45 ft. Christmas tree, erected right in the middle of the cobblestone courtyard. The tree is something to see, with sashes of mint green complementing shiny red decorations and over 12,000 reed switch component Christmas lights and at its peak is a shining Christmas star.
Gorgeous Christmas tree? Check. Next on the list was the installation of the antique clock. Believe it or not, this clock has been knocked over on more than one occasion by trucks delivering goods to the Distillery, so this was more like a re-installation. This time, the 15-foot clock tower was installed amidst a barricade of four metal poles to ensure that this antique clock is in the Distillery to stay. Good thing, too; the clock is beautiful, and adds a special ambiance to the area, and the Christmas Market in particular.
Stunning antique clock? Almost. As every good Toronto mortgage broker should know, the land beneath the Distillery’s cobblestones is wet and, elevation-wise, not any higher than Lake Ontario. The suction truck actually had to remove enough moisture from the ground before workers could pour cement and secure a foundation for a timekeeper that should stand the tests of time. Stunning antique clock? Check.
Next, a sound system was installed all around the Distillery to ensure that shoppers everywhere could hear the musical performances, carollers and well-wishers amplified from the central stage in the courtyard.
Lowe’s, the sponsor of the Market, donated more than fifty 1-room wooden huts, scattered throughout the Distillery. Each hut was transformed into a little outdoor shop, selling the likes of: fudge, schnitzel, pretzels, retro movie gifts, Dutch sweets, sports team scarves, apple cider made with organic ingredients and much, much more! The Distillery really did take on a ‘Santa’s workshop’ feel that day as forklifts whizzed around the village carrying miniature houses with them.
The final days of November saw the finishing touches added to the Christmas Market. ‘Elves’ in safety jackets were seen constructing a hedge maze that leads straight to Santa’s house! ‘Biergartens’ signs started popping up (yes, the entire neighbourhood is licensed for this holiday occasion) and there’s enough mulled wine, hot chocolate, candy canes, sugar pies and plums on offer to skyrocket the business of many a Toronto dentist.
Nn its second year, the Toronto Christmas Market has more street vendors, buskers and costumed performers, and a star-studded entertainment lineup. The Toronto Christmas Market is a European market style attraction that is, as well, its own uniquely Canadian festival. Don’t miss this year’s Toronto Christmas Market in the Historic Distillery District!
Ultimate British Christmas Party 2011
December 3, 2011 by deblewis
Filed under Ontario, Past Events, Toronto
The Ultimate British Christmas Party was a great succes. The event was held at the Fairmont Royal York hotel on December 2nd 2011.
The acclaimed British Canadian Chamber of Trade and Commerce celebrated this year’s Christmas Fare in style. With crackers and carols. The famous BCCTC draw prizes also surely made it exciting. There was a gift for all!
Thanks to the sponsors the raffle the prizes were very appealing to all. Especially the two tickets to London, England, the ipads and many more amazing gifts. With great food, service, gifts and a feeling of community, the Christmas spirit was all around.
For more pictures go to:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/cityeventstoronto/sets/72157628293244389
Screenings and Special Events @ the TIFF Bell Lightbox
November 30, 2011 by deblewis
Filed under Event Venues, Ontario, Toronto
Located on the sixth floor of TIFF Bell Lightbox, Malaparte is an independent event space operated by Oliver & Bonacini Restaurants. Malaparte is a spectacular new private event space with floor to ceiling windows, it features a breathtaking cityscape view and has incorporated sophisticated textures, with shimmer and elegance, perfect for exclusive private events and star-studded soirées.
The space holds 150 seated and 250 for receptions as well as all onsite facility catering. The idea with this space was luxury as it has 16-foot ceiling with moulding covered in silver leaf and direct access to a rooftop terrace. The room is also equipped with two in-ceiling projectors with motorized lifts, built-in rigging points, spotlights, and floor-to-ceiling windows. Our favourite is the tiered patio which was the host of this years Nikki Beach during TIFF 2011.
Malaparte is any interior decorators bliss or a piece of heaven to individuals that enjoys luxurious venues with great sophistication. By working with the TIFF Lightbox and O&B there are a variety of screenings, launches, and special event possibilities.
For further details visit http://www.oliverbonacini.com/Malaparte.aspx
Liberty Social Hour at Williams Landing – A Huge Success!
November 30, 2011 by deblewis
Filed under Ontario, Past Events, Toronto
| Liberty Social Hour: Noche Caliente brought the heat in January!After the success of our Noche Caliente at Locus 144, Liberty Social Hour started the New Year with a bang at William’s Landing in Liberty Village.
Located just minutes away from the chaotic streets of the downtown core, Liberty Village is an emerging community just west of downtown Toronto. The stomping ground for many artists and new local business establishments, Liberty Village is the new creative hub of Toronto; projecting all that is artistic, urban, and chic. The Liberty Social Hour gave local residents and businesses a chance to experience the potential of Liberty Village at a chic and urban venue while interacting with their community. It was the perfect opportunity to create valuable relationships while exchanging and sharing ideas and opinions concerning the life and work in Liberty Village. Williams Landing is one of the many beautiful venues that Liberty Village has to offer. You can’t help but to become engaged in your community! Winters may be cold but we brought the heat to Liberty Village: Noche Caliente.
Everyone enjoyed themselves and made valuable relationships, while experiencing their community. Liberty Social Hour: Noche Caliente To view pictures from this event visit, http://www.flickr.com/photos/cityeventstoronto
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Noche Caliente – A succesful gathering
November 29, 2011 by deblewis
Filed under Ontario, Past Events, Toronto
A Warm November Night in Toronto’s ‘Hottest Neighbourhood’
Christopher Alvarado
11/23/2011
The Liberty Social Hour promoted its first event of the winter, La Noche Caliente, as an opportunity to ‘enjoy a blazing hot night in the winter’ and it proved to be quite the accurate description. La Noche Caliente, held at Locus 144, provided a very soothing and stylish ambience distinguishable by its dimmed lights and delightful live music. Located on 147 East Liberty Street, this resto-lounge caters to all demographics as owner Cassius Williams gracefully states, “our main priority is to offer fantastic service; we are very casual in our style and not pretentious or judgemental in any way.” The atmosphere was incredibly friendly as strangers became acquaintances and workers expanded their networks over a few reasonably priced drinks.
The event was organised through RPC Group and City Events and promoted “the chance to connect with the artistic, urban, professional, chic crowd at Liberty Village.” Liberty Village is widely considered the hottest new neighbourhood in Toronto, as seen through its communal growth as new condominiums, offices, and shops continue to shape its increasingly dynamic community. Events such as La Noche Caliente provided workers and residents in the area, overwhelmingly young professionals, to meet like-minded individuals and expand their respective networks. Roger Caltworth, a consultant for an innovative start-up IT firm said he moved to Liberty Village five years ago from downtown and since then has not regretted it. “I’ll probably live here for another five years and then eventually move to the suburbs. My property has already doubled in value since I purchased it and it will continue to rise,” as he said with a smile. However, Roger’s one comment was this: “I’d like to see more independent shops and local businesses in the area.”
‘’I encourage everyone, if you haven’t been, you need to come to the next one…I love meeting new people and minute I walked through the door I met somebody new and I’ve been talking to her like I’ve known her for a while. So every time I’m here, I end up with a new friend, an acquaintance, somebody I actually stay connected with. That’s what I really love about it’’ Karlyn mybeautybank.ca
‘’I think it’s a really cool event. It’s my second one. And it’s just good to get off the office, network and meet new people and expand your business’’ Peter midniteruntoronto.com
‘’I actually saw a poster across the street …. and I decided to come check it out. There’s a great vibe, the people here are really friendly. It’s good times.’’ Joshua Liberty, Village Resident
This was the only critical comment mentioned at the event. Many of the guests thoroughly enjoying the evening but also wondered why more events like this don’t happen more often in the area. Liberty Village is a thriving and vibrant community but as any young professional will tell you, the motto is ‘work hard, play hard’ and it’s simply difficult to ‘play hard’ in Liberty Village. This is why La Noche Caliente was so successful. It gave the residents an opportunity after work to enjoy a drink, hear great music, and socialize with others before heading out into the chilly November evening.
The night however belonged to the residents and businesses of this trendy community. The event showed its flair and culture with the live jazz band, the Sultan of Soul. The lead singer’s calming voice could have you imagining a resort in the Caribbean. City events and RPC Group provided the platform and their work have continuously made this community even more connected with each other. RPC Group’s objective in using social media is to ‘effectively reach, build and maintain relationships with their consumers.’ The mood reflected this perception as the evening started: quiet and formal but gradually became more casual through the vibrant soulful music and the inevitable dancing which accompanied it.
Cassius Williams hopes to see more lounges in the area as a way of bringing clientele from other neighbourhoods to Liberty Village. Many of the guests said they were already spending more of their time on the weekends in Liberty Village than before. If events like ‘La Noche Caliente’ were organized more frequently then they may no longer need to travel east for that enjoyable night out.
For pictures of the Liberty Social Hour – Noche Caliente go to:
http://www.facebook.com/media/set
