Stephen Weir articles, editorials and popular social media weir postings

  LIVE OR ON YOU TUBE, SANTA CAME TO TOWN WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM HIS CARIBBEAN CANADIAN FRIENDS By Stephen Weir Pictures by Anthony Berot "On a brisk Toronto morning, Santa's sleigh may not have been pulled by reindeer, but it was certainly propelled by community spirit. With over 750,000 spectators lining the streets, the 120th anniversary of the Santa Claus Parade was nothing short of magical—despite the looming Grinch-like shadow of rising costs. As festive floats and marching bands paraded through Toronto’s downtown core , one thing was clear: Toronto’s beloved tradition is here to stay, at least for this year. But what happens when even Santa needs a little help from his friends next year?" Sunday’s The Original Santa Claus Parade, celebrating its 120th year, was a major success even though at times this Fall there were major money concerns that put the event, one of the world’s longest annual Santa’s parade, in a shaky position. But the city pulled it off and the p...

 Fantazia already dreaming about  making their Caribana costumes! costume launch 2013 by Parris Visuals You know that spring is right around the corner when Wiarton Willie doesn’t see his shadow, the kid’s snowman is now a puddle and Fantazia has posted posters for their Spring 2024 costume launch! The mas band is marking its 15th annual launch on April 14th this year at the Peter N Paul Banquet Hall in Scarborough (Milner Ave). And, while band leader Will Morton says it is a little early yet to let all the details of the coming fete, in a recent talk with the Caribbean Camera he let a few things slip out including the theme of the party. “We are coming a month earlier than last year,” said band co-leader Will Morton. “We hope to be bigger than in 2023. But don’t want to say too much right now about but as the picture on our website show, it is Uncut Gemz!” “We will be announcing our sections and the gemstones that they are (using for inspiration).” And yes, diamonds in the ...

  Wow and Boo Hoo. It's all over until next year! We already miss them! The last two mas band costume launches for this summer's Toronto Caribbean Carnival took place over the weekend.  Fantazia launched on Saturday at the Eve Event Space on Northwest Drive in Mississauga, while SugaCayne had their launch on Sunday at their headquarters located at 150 Yorkland Blvd in Toronto.  Take our word for it; many sexy outfits were showcased on stage, and a significant number of costumes were sold. Prior to the start of the evening show, Fantazia Carnival, led by Will and Lisa Morton, informed the audience that they were about to witness a world of the  unexpected, where "Odds and Oddities" come to life! As these pictures  demonstrate, the costumes showcased “the curious trinkets of life's grand  bazaar”. Similar to what fans have seen with other mas camps' offerings, the women's costumes were engineering feats, strategically hiding naughty parts with minimal materi...