MARKHAM – June 25, 2018 – The Federation of Chinese Canadians in Markham celebrated the annual 16th TD Taste of Asia Festival. The festival took place on Kennedy Rd between Steeles Ave. and Clayton Drive. The three days were filled with multicultural food, performances and activities throughout June 22, 23 and 24 2018.

The 16th TD Taste of Asia’s welcomed over 120 vendors and 200,000 attendees, welcoming families, friends and visitors of all ages. The opening ceremony started off with a warm welcome by Dr. Ken Ng, Mayor Frank Scarpitti and Councillor Sandra Rocco, shortly followed by the live performance of O’Canada by performer Larry Lo. The crowd was then treated with a performance of Lion Dancing by Sammy Cheng and his FCCM students. After speeches and plaques were presented by Dr. Ken Ng, the Jerrahi Sufi Order of Canada put on an amazing performance that included a live performance with traditional Turkish instruments and traditional Turkish dancing. The evening featured show included Larry Lo and The Star Line Show, with special performances by famous sisters Jennie and Annie Chung. The evening was then concluded by a final performance by Hong Kong singer and actress, Moon Lau 劉佩玥. Moon also held a meet and greet for her fans on Friday, June 22 at Splendid China Mall, where fans were able to get pictures and signed autographs with the Hong Kong star. Prior to the evening concert, performances were held all day on stage including FCCM Children Chinese Dance and Senior Group performances, Kung Fu & Tai Chi by Master Kan and his students, Gu Zheng Ensemble, a live demonstration of Eye Chi Gong by Pureland Qi Gong, Song Medley and Traditional Filipino Dances by MFFC Youth Performing Arts Group, live singing by local artist Kevin Teng, a rap and hip-hop combined style performance by Alpha King and Muay Thai Performance by Siam’s No.1 Muay Thai Academy.

This year’s theme country is Turkey, represented by the Republic of Turkey Consulate General in Toronto. Some of the highlights included two airline ticket raffles sponsored by  Turkish Airlines, a live musical dance performance by the Jerrahi Sufi Order of Canada and a warm welcome during the Opening Ceremony by the Turkish Consulate General.

Over 120 vendors provided a wide variety of delicious traditional foods from multiple Asian countries. As usual, Stinky Tofu, Meat Skewers and Bubble Waffles were a favourite among the crowd in addition to the new Ice Cream Burrito. This year’s TD Taste of Asia featured a variety of booths ranging from cuisine all around the world, vehicle models such as Ford and Buick, and attendees were able to play games to win prizes at booth such as TD and Telus.

With 2018 being the Canada-China Year of Tourism, during the festival, China Southern Airlines sponsored a raffle to award one lucky winner a premium economy ticket to anywhere in China. The Canada-China Year of Tourism is an initiative put together by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang to create closer ties between Chinese and Canadian citizens. In addition, Telecommunications Sponsor, Telus, provided a wireless hub to help make this raffle possible.

This year’s TD Taste of Asia would not have been possible without the presenting sponsor, TD Bank Group, Telecommunications Sponsor, Telus, Honorary Sponsors, The Republic of Turkey Consulate General and the Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Toronto, and the Royal Thai Embassy, Funding from the Government of Canada, Government of Ontario and Celebrate Markham, Lifestyle Sponsor Flato Developments, SIlver Sponsors Buick, Ford Toronto Area Ford Dealers, Atlantis Development, Travel Sponsors, China Southern Airlines, Turkish Airlines, as well as many other entertainment, food and beverage, media sponsors and community partners.

Friday, June 22 2018