I don't think it would take too much effort at this point for us to spread out street permits, and park permits to enough of Toronto's 72 BIAs and the numerous social, cultural and commercial organizations, to ensure there is some event location every weekend throughout the year.
Give the
BIA's the opportunity to connect to these groups.
It's as simple as connecting groups who would take advantage of this opportunity with the BIA's that would host them.
One weekend they hold an ice carving festival in
Wychwood Heights. Ask residents to participate if there is snow on the ground. Have snowman building competitions for residents. Invite food trucks, artists and crafts people. Maybe add a roaming farmers market to the mix.
On another weekend in
Longbranch you have a hat festival. Invite hatmakers, sellers and crafters to sell their wares. Have a hat design competition. Silliest hat contests. Invite different food vendors to participate.
Next it could be the German community being hosted by
Queen East. Let the community take care of the entertainment. Encourage the German community to get involved. Get the Consul involved.
I'm sure that some will be cancelled for bad weather. Some will will be wash outs for totally different reasons. I know but there is enough population in the region to support this.
These events could extend beyond the city borders into the suburbs. Port Credit, Thornhill Village, Old Main Unionville would be good canditates for winter fests outside the city.
What could be Toronto's big winter fest be themed on? Hmmm...Naked tobagganing at Earl Bales? It'd be a great spectator sport.
