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--> City already looking forward to 2019 By Stephen Weir  Photos by Craigg Slowly While Torontonians have already put away their costumes for another year, in Niagara Falls, last weekend close to 10,000 tourists and locals alike had some Caribana schooling. This is the third year that the Niagara Caribbean Festival has been held in Niagara Falls.   Some of Toronto’s top Mas Models joined the musical group Kobo Town, Connector, the P.K. Hummingbird Steel Orchestra and a fleet of food trucks to hold a carnival pop-up in the Queen Victoria Park directly opposite the American and Canadian Horseshoe Falls . This is the third year that the Caribbean Community Engagement group –   in partnership with the Niagara Parks Commission – has held the   Caribana inspired festival. The CEE is headed up by Yvette Martin, a longtime Ontario stage manager for theatre, festivals (including Caribana) and concerts across the country. “Tourists from ...

Fantazia Junior Launch Was Fantaztic By Stephen Weir, photographs by Don Moreland For the kiddies who play Mas with Fantazia Carnival, the elements aren’t hurricanes and volcanoes; they are gentle breezes, friendly sunsets and warm blue water.   On the weekend the Fantazia Carnival held a launch party for junior revelers – the children that will be taking part in the July 21 Junior Carnival Parade. Will Morton, driving force behind Fantazia, has long been known for the uniqueness and beauty of the costumes.   This year he has chosen the Elements, as the inspiration for the costumes that will be worn on the road, be it the Kiddies Parade or Toronto Caribbean Carnival Grand Parade for adults on August 4 th . When it comes to the adults, the costumes based on ice, fire, wind and water, are sexy, basically being more feathers than fabric.   With the kids it is different. The costumes for the children are both modest and comfortable. ...