MARKHAM- June 27, 2016- The Federation of Chinese Canadians in Markham celebrated the annual 14th TD Taste of Asia Festival which took place on Kennedy Rd. between Steeles Ave. and Clayton Drive. It was two great days of multicultural foods and performances on June 25 & 26, 2016.

There was amazing weather and the festival welcomed over 180,000 visitors and nearly 180 vendors. In cooperation with Asianwave, the festival featured Jerald Chan from The Hong Kong band, Swing, KC Chui and mystery guest, Pong Nan whom was only announced at the festival! The prelude for their  concert was an all day adventure, including cultural performances, live music, amazing food and fun filled entertainment. Performances included FCCM Senior Karaoke, Kung Fu Demonstration by Master Kan and his students, Hip Hop Routine by Zhen Liu and the Underground Pulse, international chefs’ food demonstration and many more.

New attractions this year included an East meets west themed event with an indigenous pow wow parade, archery shooting range, international and Michelin chefs cooking demonstration and a talk show by Terrence Wong on dining etiquette across different cultures. This East meets west theme was especially highlighted during the opening ceremony when Indigenous dancers and drummers (West) performed onstage with Chinese Lion Dancers (East).

Not only did the south end of the festival have its usual 3-on-3 basketball tournament but there was also a new feature this year, a Tee-pee in the Indigenous Village, to celebrate Canada’s native heritage.

As well, our vendors provided a wide variety of delicious traditional and fusion Asian foods. Stinky tofu is still a favorite among festival goers as well as fusion styled Chinese bubble waffle served with ice-cream. New this year was liquid nitrogen popcorn which causes smoke to come out of your ears! Other Asian street foods included BBQ skewers, fried potatoes, fish balls and many more.

This year’s festival would not have been possible without the presenting sponsor, TD Bank Group, Honorary Sponsors,The Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Toronto and the Royal Thai Embassy, Fundings from the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario, Diamond Sponsors, Yelp and Jacco Tours, Platinum Sponsor, Councillor Alan Ho from the City of Markham, Silver Sponsor, Desjardins Insurance, entertainment, food and beverage sponsors and community partners.