Celebrate the Lighting of iconic bridge coupled with Brazilian music and culture
On the evening of June 5th, the Riverside BIA and community will launch the Riverside Gateway Bridge Project – a $600,000 capital installation illuminating the iconic Riverside bridge. The Bridge is the gateway to Toronto’s Historic Riverside District, located on Queen Street East, between the DVP and Empire Avenue.
Riverside BIA is excited to have Samba Toronto leading the public parade and torch relay for this exciting illumination. Samba Toronto is one of Toronto’s favorite Samba bands, drawing on inspiration from both Toronto’s Brazilian community and honorary Brazilians representing their company.
Samba Toronto engages performers from the Royal Conservatory of Music’s Samba percussion program, ensuring that they get the best and most qualified people to represent their heritage and community. Founded in 1928 they entail is a long rooted history of bringing people together by overcoming differences and engaging in fun and entertainment. Their goal is to unite communities to tell stories and share in happiness.
Riverside BIA is happy to help facilitate the cultural link between Brazil and Toronto and encourages everyone to join in and enjoy this creative art form!
The fun starts at 6:30pm at McCleary playground followed by the Samba Parade which kicks off at about 7:45pm. Come and be a part of the story, that will brighten the skyline as we welcome the Pan Am/Parapan Am Games to Toronto!
Many thanks to our Bridge Lighting partners and sponsors: This project grew from idea to inception thanks to public partnership with City of Toronto, Ward 30 Councillor Paula Fletcher, and private sponsors: Gold Sponsor – Streetcar Developments; Silver Sponsors – Hullmark Developments, and Downtown Automotive Group; and Bronze Sponsors – Ashlar Urban Realty, The Avro, BMO, Brightworks Interactive Marketing, Harhay Construction, il ponte, and OX Agency – all of whom shared our vision.