Vaughan
August 14, 2008 12:04 AM
By: Keely Grasser
Maple’s midsummer tradition returns once again as Maplefest hits the streets this weekend.
“It’s great fun and enjoyment. It’s the Maple CNE, we call it,” joked Kathy Sistilli, chairperson of the festival’s organizing committee.
The event, which has attracted more than 15,000 people in the past, offers plenty of different entertainment to suit everyone in the family’s tastes, she added.
Entertainment kicks off tomorrow at 5:30 p.m. with a performance by dance studio Rugcuttaz Danz Artz, followed by the musical stylings of Cobra Kings. singer-songwriter Dia and the TSI Band.
At 9:15 p.m., laugh the night away when comedians hit the stage.
Festivities start again at 10:30 a.m. Saturday with a day chock-full of stage entertainment, including juggling, magic, basketball and ballroom dancing shows.
A popular addition this year is a production of High School Musical, featuring songs from the Disney franchise.
It will be staged at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Saturday’s celebrations will be brought to a close by a DJ and Disco Inferno, who will alternate performances from 8:30 p.m. until midnight.
“Anyone who is into disco music and dancing” will enjoy the performance, Ms Sistilli said. “It attracts the families out.”
Sunday will bring more stage entertainment, beginning at 11 a.m. plus another new feature: Dog Idol.
Every year, Ms Sistilli sees people come to the festival with their furry friends and felt it was a no-brainer to include them in the fun.
You can register your dog throughout the weekend, she said, but the canine contest kicks off at 1 p.m.
There will also be plenty of other attractions, such as games, vendors and refreshments, Ms Sistilli said.
Maplefest 2008 will be held at the Maple Community Centre and Keele Street and McNaughton Road.
Parking is available at the community centre and nearby schools.
Ms Sistilli invites all to come out and be part of this great community event, plus, she added,
“It’s free. That’s what makes it even better.”