With traditional Chinese lion dances and eye doting, the Taste of Asia Festival 2019 officially began on Saturday, June 29, 2019. Attendees were welcomed by many attractions along Kennedy Road starting at Steeles Avenue East such as the festival’s stage, the exotic car show, and midway entertainment for children all the way up to Gorvette Road.
This year’s opening ceremony was emceed by City of Markham’s Ward 7 Councillor, Khalid Usman and City of Vaughan’s Ward 4 Councillor, Sandra Yeung Racco. Honorary guests included Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Hon. Ahmed Hussen, MP Jean Yip, MP Shaun Chen, MP Jane Philpott, MP Bob Saroya, TD District Vice President, Rachael Wong, MPP Billy Pang, MPP Logan Kanapathi, Deputy Consul General of Chinese Consulate General in Toronto Mr. Zhuang Yaodong, Deputy Consul General of Phillippine Consulate General in Toronto Mrs. Bernadette Fernandez, Markham Regional Councillor Jack Heath, Markham Councillors Alan Ho, Amanda Yeung Collucci, Councillor Isa Lee, Richmond Hill Councillor Godwin Chan, etc.