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As part of the Eats & Beats in Riverside StreetFEST on June 7^th, The Ralph Thornton Centre will be celebrating our historic building’s 100th anniversary! 100 years ago the laying of the cornerstone of the historic building took place.  Come out and discover Ralph Thornton’s extraordinary journey, from its days as a Postal Station to its current relationship with the community and the people it serves.  There will be a guided building tour, a kid’s scavenger hunt, and cake, along with musical entertainment!!

Ralph Thornton Centre was established by Toronto City Council in 1980 as a “multi-purpose community facility” within the former Postal Station G, at 765 Queen Street East.  The organization has been a cornerstone of the vibrant South Riverdale community for 30 years.  Over the years, RTC has played a key role in bringing residents together to identify, discuss and address local issues and needs.

1 pm: Join local historian Ron Fletcher for a tour of the building and the neighbourhood

or children can join the

Sidewalk Parade

Follow the Clown Crier to the front of the building “under the clock” for

BIRTHDAY CAKE

1- 5 pm: children’s activities and community displays outside the library on Saulter St and inside the building

(listen for historical scavenger hunt and historical display inside)

LET US KNOW YOU’RE COMING and sign up HERE 

Thanks to our prime sponsors Nell & Natasha Homeward Realty  and Streetcar Developments

For Eats & Beats on June 7^th from 2:00pm-4:00pm Dimensions will be hosting Random Order Drummer, Cathy Marchese.  Cathy splits her time between drumming and running her marketing business Hogpie Communications. She currently drums for Toronto based sub-rock band Random Order, a well-known staple within the Toronto music scene.

Riverside is known for some of Toronto’s best eateries, cafes, and shops. Dimensions adds its inviting and convivial presence to this trendy district. The fresh, expansive gallery is the collaborative product of Ellen Davidson and Wendy Palmer, in business together for over 14 years. The two have an immense passion for all things creative. Together, they have grown their business into one of Toronto’s most reputable places for custom framing and a fine art gallery that showcases an ever- rotating selection of artists.

LET US KNOW YOU’RE COMING and sign up HERE 

Thanks to our prime sponsors Nell & Natasha Homeward Realty  and Streetcar Developments

This street is a diversity of food, fun and all sorts of funk. Streetcar Developments, An Síbin Pub and Boots & Bourbon will have a lineup of musical acts and treats. Get a taste of Celtic and Soul food, music, and drink! Enjoy a BBQ feast and some of Ontario’s best Craft Beers on the Back Patio and Beer Garden, plus a host of delicious bites from Boots and Bourbon.

1:00pm Keith Jolie  is a roots and blues inspired City-Folker. Keith is a Canadian singer-songwriter, who has been influenced by the Canadian independent music scene as well as the lyrical influences of the writers from the American Beat Movement.

2:30pm The Tall Grass singers are made up of Chloe Watkinson and the Roberts Sisters; Gail Roberts and Kate Roberts. They have been sharing their passion for beautiful harmonies all over Toronto, and on the streets of New Orleans both with a band and without. The music they sing tends to consist of Southern Gospel and Old Time Country music but also spans into jazz, blues and soul music

At 4pm get your boots stomping with Boots and Bourbon leading line and dancing lesson, and then taking it out flash mob style. Steak nights begin at 5pm; come and enjoy 3 different sizes and styles of Steak at great prices!!! Come for the after-party at 10pm for some live Celtic Rock with the O’Deadly’s Irish morsels and show off your Gallic foot work with guest Celtic band.

Since 2002, Toronto-based Streetcar Developments has designed and developed a series of stunning loft projects located in some of Toronto’s hippest locations. Along the way, they’ve earned accolades for being a different kind of developer.

For over 10 years, Streetcar Development has built numerous successful midrise developments in the east and west-end of Toronto, always in close partnership with the local community and city. They’ve been recognized for their work by numerous industry organizations, such as BILD and TUDA.

An Sibín Pub brings A Touch of Ireland to The Riverside.   Affectionately known to neighbours as “The Shebeen” opened its doors on August 31^st, 2012, with a brand new high-end interior, Gastro-Irish Pub Fare, an exciting Beer & Music line-up and the warm, true-to-heart hospitality the Irish are well known for.

Boots ‘N’ Bourbon Saloon is leading the charge of Toronto’s new-found enthusiasm for country music and cowboy cuisine. It’s one of two western bars to open serendipitously on the same day, and already it shows promise of becoming a major party destination and live country music venue.

LET US KNOW YOU’RE COMING and sign up HERE 

Thanks to our prime sponsors Nell & Natasha Homeward Realty  and Streetcar Developments

During the Eats & Beats Street Festival, ), Boogie down with Burger Shoppe’s live DJ while getting served up their “Hot Hawaiian” for $5(4oz cheese burgers with Pineapple, Sriracha aioli, lettuce, lettuce and tomato.

Burger Shoppe is Toronto’s East Side original old-school take out burger joint, where the BQM(Burger Shoppe Quality Meats) story began. After a trip to NYC, BQM’s founder Saeed Mohamed wanted to open a burger shop with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Saeed flipped his first fresh ground patty on March 12, 2007 and a new Toronto institution was born. They are located at 688 Queen Street E, Toronto.

LET US KNOW YOU’RE COMING and sign up HERE 

Thanks to our prime sponsors Nell & Natasha Homeward Realty  and Streetcar Developments

On Saturday June 7^th for the Eats and Beats Festival- A World Pride affiliate event, Olive & Olives will be hosting a healthy and delicious cooking workshop that will be sure to both introduce you to a new way to cook and include fun and vibrant colors!

Olive oil has been recognized as a contributor to healthy hearts and longevity. Taste and learn how to incorporate this exquisite and luscious ingredient into easy everyday meals and treats. Join us at our Eats & Beats StreetFEST for a free mini cooking class at 1pm and 3pm, showcasing on how you can mix a diversity of foods and top it off with olive oil. If June 7th doesn’t work for you sign up for a cooking lesson! There is one every month at 779 Queen Street East. Sign up for the June 7^th workshop here

Olive & Olives sells the best olive oil in town! They buy directly from their producers ensuring the highest quality and have very knowledgeable staff. Anyone at the store will be happy to recommend an oil for any occasion whether it be for everyday use or a special event. If you disagree with their expert opinion feel free to use their tasting bar anytime, but keep in mind we are confident you’ll agree!

Olive & Olives likes to keep things interesting with different monthly themes. We are looking forward to the new theme, Cocktail Hour! Hurry in because it is Olive & Olives 10^th anniversary and they have some stellar sales going on, but they won’t last long. Or if you don’t want to hurry in give them a call (416) 551-8181 any order over 50 dollars has free delivery.

Olive & Olives head office is in Montreal however the Riverside couldn’t be happier that one of their locations is on Queen Street. They are open 7 days a week for all your oil purchasing needs!

LET US KNOW YOU’RE COMING and sign up HERE 

Thanks to our prime sponsors Nell & Natasha Homeward Realty  and Streetcar Developments