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.
