It's stinking hot - time for Parks Canada Celebration

That's what someone just told me - it's stinking hot out, hot, hot, hot. And I think grab your bathing suit and head down to the sparkling, crisp waters of Lake Ontario. Parks Canada is having their Centennial Celebration on Centre Island today (July 16, 2011) from noon to 8:30pm. For most people heading to the Islands means riding the Toronto Ferries. PS the new Island Ferry ticket booths have been rebuilt, see the photo at top.

You can enjoy concerts starting at 4pm with The Skydiggers, Serena Ryder and Sarah  Harmer.

Also planned are a number of activities including meeting historic characters, take souvenir snapshots, see mascot Parka the Beaver, visit a wetland discovery centre, sit still for face painting or hand tattoos and have a picnic or get some food from vendors. There is plenty of stuff to do on Centre Island - you can also go to Centreville Amusement Park after the celebration and have some more fun.

Thunder over Michigan Air Show July 23-24, 2011

If you're looking for a fun filled event, that promises to be a great time for people of all ages, why not check out the 2011 Thunder over Michigan Air Show on July 23rd and 24th at the Willow Run Airport in Ypsilanti, Michigan, USA. This year's show has a star studded line up consisting of The Blue Angels, The Viper East F-16, The European Theatre WWII Battle Reenactment and much, much more. The 2011 air show will no doubt be an unforgettable experience for all who attend with many opportunities to see some of the best aviation acts in the nation. For more information on event attractions and featured performers, ticket prices, directions, or any other questions you have, please go to http://www.yankeeairmuseum.org/airshow/ and check it out for yourself!

I love this show, the mix of aircraft, the chance to get up close to the aircraft in the airport - I will be there again this year and hope to see you there as well. The fantastic photos of The Blue Angels have been provided by the airshow.

Things to do in Toronto July 8-10, 2011

The Pride Toronto Festival events have finished for another year - I trust everyone attended and ran, at least partially nude, through the streets of Toronto. Leather, body paint and water pistols would certainly change even conservative parades like the Santa Claus parade. The weather has finally turned toasty so unless you are heading out to the cottage it is time to find exciting and fun things to do in Metro Toronto. Sadly there will be no Toronto Just for Laughs Festival. Damn, I really liked the Just for Laughs street festival and shows including the free shows in Yonge-Dundas Square.

Wednesday July 6 to Sunday July 17: Toronto Fringe Festival. Toronto's Theatre Festival.

Friday July 8 to Sunday July 10: Honda Indy Toronto. Fast cars, concerts and beautiful women, including Ms. Budweiser. Friday entrance is free!!! Click here for a chance to win Dr Pepper Grandstand tickets for the 2011 Honda Indy Toronto.

Friday July 8 to Sunday July 10: Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition at Nathan Phillips Square.

Friday July 8 to Sunday July 10: Corazon De Mexico at Harbourfront Centre.

Friday July 8 to Sunday July 24: Summerlicious 2011. Prix Fix lunch and dinner menus at 150 restaurants.

Saturday July 9 to Sunday July 10: Salsa on St Clair street festival. Latino style summer celebration - so good it's almost forbidden.
Saturday July 9: Edgefest. Concerts at Downsview Park.

Later on in July we have the start of the Toronto Caribbean Carnival Festival (launches July 12).

Do svidaniya!

Ms Chin Bikini 2011

Katie Gimon-Valencia: Runner Up, Serena DiMillo: Miss Chin Bikini 2011, Cristina Odorico: 2nd Runner Up

Celine Leflamme: Miss Chin Bikini 2010

The Chin Picnic, "The Largest Free Multicultural Picnic in the World" was rocking at Exhibition Place and at noon on Saturday, July 2, 2011 the Ms Chin Bikini Contest took place at the Bandshell. The 22 competing girls wore white bikinis and the winners are pictured above.

MC Lenny Lombardi, President of CHIN Radio and TV

Miss Chin Bikini 2010 presents the crown to Miss Chin Bikini 2011

See lots more bikini pictures after the jump and the 2010 Ms Chin Bikini Contest pictures here.

And go here for moreof my photos of the bikini contest.

Happy Canada Day 2011

Ahhhhh, life is good in Canada - grab a frosty beverage, have some birthday cake and get ready for some fireworks. Born July 1, 1867 today is the 144th birthday of Confederation. Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge Catherine Elizabeth Middleton (Kate) are wowing the crowds in our beautiful country as they honeymoon here.

Photo from the PM Office/Government of Canada website

Prime Minister Harper welcomes the royal couple to Canada and says "“On behalf of all Canadians, I am honoured to welcome The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to Canada for their first official Royal Tour. 

“Their Royal Highnesses will experience first-hand the beauty and rich diversity of all regions of our great country.  The time they will spend in the National Capital Region, Quebec, Prince Edward Island, the Northwest Territories and Alberta will showcase that there has never been a more exciting time to be Canadian. 

“With the theme of ‘Moving Forward Together,’ the Tour will provide The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge with the opportunity to see first hand how our remarkable past and dynamic and innovative present are laying the foundation for a bright and prosperous future. "

The CN Tower is like Toronto's own Canada Day birthday candle.

Things to do in Toronto July 1-3, 2011

Happy 144th birthday Canada! It's time to party and there is a lot of great things to do in Toronto over this summer long weekend. In lieu of gifts please just pay a little more HST. You will go crazy trying to catch everything this weekend so try for something that you can walk to because parking can be a bitch on holidays.

Thursday June 30: Toronto Roller Derby League: Clam Slam, part of the Pride celebrations.

Friday June 24 to Sunday July 3: The Pride Week and Pride Parades
           July 1 to 3: Street Fair
           July 1: Trans March, July 2: Dyke March, July 3: Annual Pride Parade     
Friday June 24 to Sunday July 3: Toronto Jazz Festival. 
Friday July 1: Multicultural Canada Day at Yonge-Dundas Square.

2010 contest

2011 Ms Chin Bikini winners

Friday July 1 to Sunday July 3: Chin Picnic at Exhibition Place, including the Miss Chin bikini contest  Saturday July 2 at noon and Mr Chin bikini contest Sunday July 3 at 6:30pm.
Friday July 1 to Sunday July 3: Blue Jays vs Phillies baseball.
Friday July 1: Ashbridges Bay Park fireworks.
Friday July 1: Mel Lastman Square Party and fireworks.
Friday July 1: Red, White and Vinyl Festival at Woodbine Park, music and fireworks.
Friday July 1 Canada Day: Festival of Fire, fireworks at Ontario Place.
See many more Canada Day celebrations at the City's event website.

Saturday July 2: Saudi Festival Day at Yonge-Dundas Square.
Saturday July 2: Flash Mob in Nathan Phillips Square.

Muzik Celebrity Classic

On Saturday, June 25th basketball filled the courts in Centennial Square, Exhibition Place for the Muzik Celebrity Classic Children's Festival. Free food, fun and special guests.

See more pictures after the jump.