A record crowd attended the annual Grill Cheese Challenge in New Toronto that featured food and fun for all. Photos by Tom Godfrey.
Thousands of people jammed into a closed off Lake Shore Blvd. W. to celebrate the annual Grill Cheese Challenge.
TTC shuttle buses transported riders around the New Toronto area, which was closed on June 8 for streetcars as fun-lovers took to Lake Shore.
The street was filled with people and the smells from a range of different foods flowing from different booths as residents lined up to try the varied offerings, ranging from shwarma to assorted grill cheese.
Ed’s Real Scoop ice cream had line ups with those trying the homemade ice creams.
Event organizer the Lakeshore Village Business Improvement Area (BIA) estimate the popular, annual festival attracted a record crowd who were entertained by live bands at a beer tent set up at the intersection of Lake Shore Blvd. W., and Islington Avenue.
Stores on both sides of the street were open, some with sales, to attract the many shoppers in the crowd.
“We have had lineups for our grill cheese ice cream,” said Ed Johnson, owner of Mimico’s Ed’s Real Scoop ice cream store. “It seems people have eaten their grill cheese and are looking for desserts.”
Area residents were having fun checking out the various booths and enjoying the nice weather.
He created a special grill cheese ice cream which turned out to be a favourite by those in line.
“I love ice cream and this is great,” said area resident Sarah as she licked a cone. “It is all homemade and very tasty,”
Lidia from Benjamin Moore Paints, said the turnout of people for the Challenge was fantastic.
“This is one of our biggest crowds for the Challenge in years.” Lidia said. “It is a good crowd and the weather is good.”
The local vendors did a brisk business from the record crowd attending the Grill Cheese Challenge.
Faouzi, from Faulkner’s Home Appliances, said it is a good crowd and people were enjoying themselves and the assortment of food being offered.
Tammy from Ridley Funeral Home, which had a booth set up, said the crowds were patient and people were in a good mood.
“The kids are smiling and having a good time,” said Irma, who was visiting with her family from Alderwood. “We are glad we checked out the fair this year.”
Family relaxing on the Lake Shore and enjoying treats with their kids all having fun.
Jane, who was on the job, was out in search of a drink poured in an empty pineapple, which seemed to be trending this year.
The dog show attracted many people, who brought their pooches with them.