Tastes of the Hill

Big Brothers Big Sisters of York
Saturday, 6 - 9 p.m. and Sunday, 12 - 6 p.m.  (South of Boynton House)

Big Brothers Big Sisters of York (BBBSY) is a charitable agency that works together to deliver impactful mentoring programs that inspire and empower York Region and Bradford children and youth to reach their full potential. Their programs help vulnerable and at-risk children and youth between the ages of 6 to 16 build their confidence and self-esteem to be prepared for life's opportunities, successes and challenges.

While servicing all of York Region, and Bradford, BBBSY provides a great deal of direct support to Richmond Hill residents through various programs running in schools throughout the town. With the funds raised at Tastes of the Hill, the focus will be to provide quality mentoring programs for children at risk right here in their community of Richmond Hill.

Be sure to stop by their booth and say hello.

Canadiana Pavilion
Saturday, 6 - 9 p.m. and Sunday, 12 - 6 p.m.  (Agricultural #2 Building)

In celebration of Canada 150, come and experience "All Things Canadian!" inside the Canadiana Pavilion. Make and take Canadian-inspired arts and crafts, explore Richmond Hill exhibits showcasing Canada's history and read some exciting facts and trivia. Sign the Canada 150 commemorative book, watch a Canadian Heritage Video, or snap a fun picture at the selfie photo station. Don't forget to share your pictures on social media using #TastesoftheHillRH and #YRFestivalTrail. 

Food & Beverage Pavilion
Saturday, 6 - 9 p.m. and Sunday, 12 - 6 p.m.  (East of Agricultural # 2 Building)

Try something new at one of the many food and beverage concession vendors inside the Food & Beverage Pavilion. 

This year's vendors include:

#1 Jerk & Tyng
50 Pesos Food Truck
Chop & Clean Mouth
Churricos
Guo's Food
Isabela Cuisine
K & G Tasty Foods Inc.
La Fiesta Catering Unique Inc.
Lemon Heaven
Liko's Hawaiian Barbecue
Loblaws Canada - President's Choice
Mister Softee Inc.
Ontario Corn Roasters
Pizza Nova
Taste of Asia Night Market Snack House
Taste the Tornado
Touro Brazilian Steakhouse
Tutti Panini 

Note: Limited food and beverage concessions will be available on Saturday, September 23.

Film Pavilion
Saturday, 6 - 9 p.m.  (South of Agricultural #2 Building)
Film starts at 7 p.m. 

Bring your blankets or lawn chairs and cozy up with your family and friends to Kubo and the Two Strings under the moonlight. In addition to a featured film, the Film Pavilion will showcase shorts from Historica Canada, profiling stories from new Canadians who have made Canada their home. 

Kubo and the Two Strings (Release date: August 19, 2016)

Kubo and the Two Strings is an epic action-adventure set in a fantastical Japan from acclaimed Oregon-based animation studio LAIKA.  The film follows clever, kind-hearted Kubo (voiced by Art Parkinson of Game of Thrones) who ekes out a humble living, telling stories to the people of his seaside town including Hosato (George Takei), Hashi (Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa) and Kamekichi (Academy Award nominee Brenda Vaccaro).  But his relatively quiet existence is shattered when he accidentally summons a spirit from his past which storms down from the heavens to enforce an age-old vendetta. Now on the run, Kubo joins forces with Monkey (Academy Award winner Charlize Theron) and Beetle (Academy Award winner Matthew McConaughey), and sets out on a thrilling quest to save his family and solve the mystery of his fallen father, the greatest samurai warrior the world has ever known.  With the help of his shamisen - a magical musical instrument - Kubo must battle gods and monsters, including the vengeful Moon King (Academy Award nominee Ralph Fiennes) and the evil twin Sisters (Academy Award nominee Rooney Mara)  to unlock the secret of his legacy, reunite his family and fulfill his heroic destiny.  Voice Cast: Charlize Theron, Matthew McConaughey, Rooney Mara, Ralph Fiennes, Art Parkinson, George Takei, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, Brenda Vaccaro.  Screenplay by Marc Haimes and Chris Butler.  Produced by Arianne Sutner, Travis Knight. Directed by Travis Knight.  

Around the World Pavilion
Sunday, 12 - 6 p.m. (South of Agricultural #2 Building)

Celebrate culture, experience multiculturalism and learn about different countries inside the Around the World Pavilion. With representation from cultures from all over the world, this pavilion has something for everyone to explore! Groups from near and far will showcase artifacts, clothing, photos and historical relics from their native country.

This year's Cultural Showcase exhibitors and artists include:

Amanda's Hennas
Aroon Academy of Irish Dance
Bangladeshi-Canadian Community Services
Caribbean North Charities Foundation
Filipino Association of Richmond Hill
Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center for Holocaust Studies
Guang Hua Teacher's Association
Hola York Region
Infinite Arts Center Canada Ltd.
Ontario Romanian Canadian Association
Mariellart Gallery
South African Consulate-General
Vietnamese Association, Toronto 

Community Pavilion
Sunday, 12 - 6 p.m. (North of Agricultural #2 Building)

Immerse yourself in the Community Pavilion where local businesses, community organizations, clubs and groups, as well as artists and festival sponsors exhibit their products and services. Be sure to support them along the way!  

This year's vendors, exhibitors and sponsors include:

Access Richmond Hill
Active Body Chiropractic
Aculife Inc.
Allstar Martial Arts
Cosmo Music
CST Consultants Inc.
Fill It Up Trailer
Goldenville
Healthy Planet
Knowledge First Financial
Levy Zavet Lawyers
Meridian
Movati Athletic Group
PFAFF
Richmond Hill Parks Policy Planning
Richmond Hill Recreation & Culture Marketing
Richmond Hill Soccer Club
TN Management
York Region - Rapid Transit Corporation
York Region - Corporate Communications
York Region - Environmental Services
York Region - Public Health
York Region - Regional Services

Sports and Inflatables Pavilion
Sunday, 12 - 6 p.m. (South of Agricultural #2 Building)

Try a new sport, learn about sports history, or bounce around with friends on one of the many inflatables available inside this Pavilion. Admission is free and the fun you'll have will make you want to stay and play all day.

This year's featured activities include:

Giant Soccer Darts
Soccer Challenge
QB Blitz
Inflatable T-Ball "Batter Up"
Mini All Stars
Sticky Dodgeball
Play A Round Golf - 9 

Sunday, 12 - 6 p.m. (Interactive Stage)

Participate in various contests to win some great prizes. Show off your eating skills by taking part in the pasta, watermelon and/or pancake eating contest. If you'd prefer to show your artistic side, register to take part in the Capturing Our Town art competition where youth, ages 12-19, will paint Richmond Hill architectural sites. Or, pick up a passport at any information station and earn stamps while you visit sites around the park. 

To pre-register for the contests, complete the Contest Registration Form before Wednesday, September 20. 

To register at the festival, visit the Contest Registration booth on Sunday, September 24 inside the Canadiana Pavilion (Agricultural #2 Building) a minimum of 30 minutes prior to each contest.

Interactive Stage

Around the World Pavilion Tent

DIA - Music from Around the World
Saturday, 7:30 p.m. (Main Stage)

DIA's voice is resonant and artistic embracing many diverse cultures.  With a Master's Degree in Ethnomusicology and the ability to sing in 28 languages, DIA's has developed her eclectic sound and artistry and is truly a voice of multiculturalism. She has spent several years collaborating with various producers between California and Toronto fusing her international influences -Indian, Middle Eastern, Roma, and Latin- with Western styles. She has performed at countless events and festivals including the closing ceremonies of the Toronto 2015 ParaPan American Games at Nathan Philips Square, the Luminato Festival, CHIN International Picnic, and the Toronto and Oakville Jazz Festivals, to name a few.

Canada 150 Drone Show
Saturday, 8:45 p.m. (Main Stage)

Experience drones like you've never seen them before. This Canada 150-themed drone show is choreographed with all Canadian music. The show will feature 28 drones and will include animations such as maple leaves, the number 150, a rocket ship taking off, Canada geese, a hockey stick shooting a puck, and a bunch of other fun animations. 

Folk Art Dance
Sunday, 12 - 5 p.m.

Cheer on local Folk Art Dance Performers as they showcase their culture and entertain the audience. Witness the traditional sounds and dances from Ecuador, Germany, Hawaii, Mexico, Portugal, Egypt, Bulgaria and Ireland. It's a truly multicultural experience!

Fashion Show
Sunday, 4 p.m. (Interactive Stage)

Have an interest in fashion or learning about outfits from different parts of the world? Come check out this year's fashion show, brought to you by Toronto Fashion Academy.  Toronto Fashion Academy was designed on the basis of perfecting and extolling the true quality of our artists within the fashion industry. It is the only academy in Canada which caters to training in high fashion modelling, fashion styling, fashion design, make-up artistry and fashion photography.

Artist in Residence Performance
Sunday, 4:15 p.m. (Interactive Stage)

Richmond Hill's 2017 Artist in Residence, the Karma Project, will premiere Intercollective, an interactive performance where music and movement come together to honour the diverse fabric of Canada and the residents of Richmond Hill. The interactive performance will incorporate bansuri flute, spoken word, meditation and dance.

Saturday, September 23

Main Stage

7 - 8:30 p.m. - Kubo and the Two Strings

Sunday, September 24

Main Stage

Interactive Stage

Presenting
Geranium
Rice Group

Diamond Plus
Miller Waste Group

Stage
Cosmo Music
Heathwood Homes Ltd.
PFAFF  

Diamond
Baif Developments Limited
Four-Valley Excavating & Grading Ltd.
Goldenville Development Inc.
Levy Zavet Lawyers
North Star Homes
TACC Developments

Platinum
Aspen Ridge Homes
Forest Contractors
Garden Homes
G Group Development Corp.
Healthy Planet
North Elgin Centre Inc.
Orlando Corporation
Royal Pine Homes
Sheraton Parkway Toronto North Hotel and Suites
The Sorrento Condominiums
Toronto Fashion Academy

Silver

Bondfield Construction Company Ltd.
Coldwell Banker The Real Estate Centre
Condor Properties
The Dormer Group
Enbridge Gas Distribution
JKO Planning Services Inc.
Liberty Development Corporation
Longos
Mattamy Homes Limited
Mon Sheong Foundation
Philmor Group Limited
Pizza Nova
Primont Homes
RE/MAX Hallmark Lind Group Realty Ltd.
Signature Communities
The Vogue Development Group Inc.
Venetian Group
Weston Consulting Group

Bronze
Bellegate Developments
Brattys LLP
Concession Forty Developments Limited
Duke of Richmond Developments
Evans Planning Ltd
Heidi Kreiner-Ley
Hibar Systems Limited
Pro-Lab Diagnostics
S.C. Land Management Corporation
Schaeffer and Associates Ltd.
Sequoia Grove Homes
Times Group Corporation
Treasure Hill 

Q: Where is the park located?
A: Richmond Green Park is located at 1300 Elgin Mills Road East at the northwest corner of Leslie Street and Elgin Mills Road, west of Highway 404. The main entrance and parking lots are accessible from Elgin Mills Road with a secondary entrance located off of Leslie Street from William F. Bell Parkway.

Q: What are the dates and times of the event?
Saturday, September  23, 6. - 9 p.m. and Sunday, September 24, 12 - 6 p.m.

Q: Can I bring my dog or other pets?
A: Yes, pets are welcome on the grounds of Richmond Green Park. Please refrain from bringing pets into the food and beverage concession area.

Q: Can I bring a cooler or outside food?
A: Yes, Richmond Green Park is an open park and you may bring your own food or beverage. However, patrons cannot sell food or beverages to festival patrons.

Q: Is there an ATM on-site?
A: Yes, there is an ATM located inside the Richmond Green Sports Centre.

Q: What is the cost of admission?
A: Admission to the festival is free.  Fees may apply to vendors and/or exhibitors at their discretion.

Q: Where can I park?
A: There are various public parking signs throughout the park for parking. There are also parking attendants on-site to help direct traffic through the parking lots. 

Q: Can I gain access to the reserved lot?
A:  You can only access the reserved parking lot with a "Reserved Parking Lot" pass. This lot is for designated event participants requiring more immediate access to the festival grounds.

Q: Can I ride my bicycle to the event?
A: Festival patrons are encouraged to attend the festival by foot or pedal. Limited bicycle racks are available near the entrance of the Richmond Green Sports Centre.

Q: Where are the washrooms located?
A: Indoor permanent washrooms are located inside the Richmond Green Sports Centre and in Agricultural #2 Building. Portable washrooms can be found in various locations throughout the park.

Q: What are the green wristbands used for?
A: The green wristbands are provided to festival patrons as Child Identification Bracelets. Parents have the option to provide their contact information on the child's wristband in the case where they are separated from their parent or guardian. 

Q: Where do I go to report a lost child?
A: A designated lost child area is located at the information station in the park. Alternatively, you may notify any Tastes of the Hill Committee Members wearing purple attire, First Aid Responders or York Regional Police Officers on-site.

Q: Does the event close if it rains?
A: The festival will continue rain or shine. In case of extreme weather where safety is of concern, patrons will be asked to exit the park.

Q: Is this a food festival?
A: Tastes of the Hill began as a food festival and has now evolved to including a wide variety of cultural activities and entertainment.

Q: How do I sign up for the food and/or art contests at the festival?
A: To register at the festival visit the Contest Registration Booth on Sunday, September 24 between 12 to 1 p.m. inside the Canadiana Pavilion (Agricultural Building #2).

Q: Where can I fill out an event feedback survey?
A: Volunteers will be on-site conducting the surveys. The survey will also be available after the festival at RichmondHill.ca/TastesoftheHill.

Q: Are there official photographers and/or videographers onsite?
A: Richmond Hill staff and/or their representatives will be photographing and video-recording at the event for promotional purposes. For more information, please speak to any Tastes of the Hill Committee Member on-site or email Event Services.

Q: Is smoking allowed in the park?
A: Richmond Hill is committed to promoting a smoke-free environment. According to the Ontario Smoke-Free Act, smoking is prohibited within 20 metres of playgrounds, parks, sports fields, tennis and basketball courts and splash pads. We ask that you refrain from smoking while attending Richmond Hill festivals and events and note this policy includes e-cigarettes and vapours.