Popular events hosted differently this year
Kaleido On Tour and Tibetan Bazaar are re-imagined this fall
If there’s anything organizers of Tibetan Bazaar and Kaleido On Tour have established, it’s that these events can still be enjoyed.
The Tibetan Bazaar, normally held at Alberta Ave Community League, is online from Sept. 19-20. And Kaleido On Tour, typically filling the streets, is a little different this year.
Sarah Pearce, vice president of Gaden Samten Ling Tibetan Buddhist Meditation Society, says organizers discussed how they might hold the event in person. “There was a lot of uncertainty around COVID guidelines and also uncertainty about the weather.”
Timmie Horvath, bazaar co-chair, adds, “We decided to take the bazaar online and keep the same spirit and intention.”
Tickets are $45 and include access to watch guest speakers, purchase bookstore items, and access an online store of videos, teachings, workshops, and dance presentations. Kushok Lobsang Dhamchöe, spiritual director of Gaden Samten Ling Tibetan Buddhist Meditation Society, is giving a presentation.
Tibetan momos are available to buy per bag, or make your own by following an online workshop.
Buy tickets starting Sept. 1 on www.gsl-ab.ca. Tickets include unlimited streaming access to videos and workshops until the end of the year.
Kaleido On Tour is also taking a different approach. The tour has been ongoing throughout the summer, but the showcase is from Sept. 11-13.
“Programming is very different from previous years,” says Sofia Lukie, tour programmer. Instead, this year features hand-picked Kaleido favourites.
Sept. 11 kicks off the showcase with the Aurora Lantern Celebration on four trucks driving through the neighbourhoods. Gabrielle deGouw, a lantern sculptor, is hosting an online DIY lantern workshop.
The trucks will also feature a DJ, musicians playing fiddles, and clowns.
“All this is happening as the trucks are rolling through,” says Lukie.
Christy Morin, artistic director, says the remainder of the showcase weekend includes performances, art, and installations in the communities of Alberta Ave, Spruce Ave, Delton, Parkdale, Eastwood, Elmwood Park, and Westwood.
“We’re going to be hitting up all the pocket parks,” Morin explains. Performances are about 10 minutes per park. Performance routes have some spontaneity to prevent too many bystanders. Morin adds, “We encourage people to picnic and social distance [in the parks]. That’s why we’re utilizing the parks.” Picnic party packs can be purchased to enjoy in the parks during the showcase.
Lukie adds, “We put a huge emphasis to keep things rolling and there is a commitment on safety.”
The showcase includes music, theatre, dance, chalk art, and fine art. Also, look for power-washed dirt art in back alleys and other installations in the neighbourhoods.
While there is no pancake breakfast this year, Arts on the Ave is offering a take home pancake mix for households to enjoy from The Carrot Coffeehouse.
Visit kaleidofest.ca and all other social media to discover more about scheduling or buy programs from The Carrot Coffeehouse. Merchandise is also available from thecarrot.ca.
KALEIDO ON TOUR
FRI: 9 to 10:30 pm with Aurora Lantern Celebration
SAT: 1 to 5 pm & 7 to 10:30 pm
SUN: 10 to 11:30 am & 1 to 4:30 pm
TIBETAN BAZAAR
Sept. 19-20: www.gsl-ab.ca
Featured Image: Expect to see roving performances during Kaleido On Tour in pocket parks, somewhat like Thou Art Here’s roving performances in previous years. | Epic Photography
