The vendors were busy as thousands of area residents had a good time at the Eight Annual Lakeshore Grill Cheese Challenge. Staff photo.
Families with children having fun were out in full force and enjoying the nice weather at the Eighth Annual Lakeshore Grilled Cheese Challenge that had several blocks of Lake Shore Blvd. W. closed to traffic.
Thousands of area residents enjoyed the June 7 food extravaganza as they strolled or wheeled carriages on the traffic -free busy street that featured live bands at intersections, and booths selling assorted types cheese sandwiches and other items.
The street was lined with vendors offering different types of grill cheese sandwiches, spicy Columbian foods and other goodies. Just the smell of the barbeque smoke made people hungry.
Members of the Royal Navy Band take a break from entertaining the crowds. Susie Basheir photo.
Most of the stores lining the street were open and offering goods to lure foot traffic into sales, which appeared to be brisk at some stores.
The showdown for best grill cheese sandwich attracts thousands of community members to savor the food and entertainment.
The popular festival attracts up to 40,000 from the area and City wide, according to organizer the Lakeshore Village Business Improvement Area (BIA).
BIA organizers Meghan said “it’s the biggest day of the year on Lake Shore Blvd. and we can’t wait.”
Fire-eating limbo-dancing and bottle dancing performer Chris Precius, originally from St. Lucia.
She said the festival provides a fun-filled day and something for everyone whether it be trying the foods, shopping or listening to live music.
They said the Challenge is ‘Ontario’s only celebration of the grilled cheese sandwich in the heart of New Toronto.’
This family and pet take a break with a treat on a hot Grill Cheese Challenge day. Staff photo.
The bands included members of the Royal Navy Band, Wild Shot Honey, DADMÖTÖRFINGER, siblings Sarah Jordan and Matt Von, Karen & The Hayters, Really Big Shiny Tunes, The Serotones, Groovestone and The Smokin’ Darts featuring a drummer ‘who hits those skins like they owe him money.’
Also entertaining the friendly, good-natured crowd were DJ Domenic, local Irish singer Robert O’Neill, The Grady Brothers and the fire-eating limbo-dancing and bottle dancing performer Chris Precius, originally from St. Lucia.