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What’s News?

First off, I’m sorry to report that the restaurant  Ten Feet Tall has closed its doors, for good, apparently.  Personal reasons.  That’s all I know. Unfortunate because it was a great spot for music and they were very committed to the neighbourhood – oh and the sweet potatoes fries were amazing.

Walking east along the Danforth, there is a new little interior design and home decor shop two doors north of Danforth on the west side of Coxwell.  It’s in the spot where Do Bamboo used to be.

As you walk by Shoppers Drug Mart, you might like to know that Canada Post is set to open an outlet in the Shoppers Drug Mart at Coxwell and Danforth.  November 8th!  Thanks to our on-the-street-reporter, Susan, for that bit of news.

Keep walking east along the Danforth and right beside Carter’s Ice Cream is a new cafe called Circus Coffee. Street reporters, Susan tells me that it is very cool and that Ron, the owner, is an interesting guy with interesting food and drinks!  He also owns Circus Books – a lovely used book store at Danforth and Jones.

Keep walking on the north side of the Danforth until you hit Silly Goose Kids, the fabulous new toy store beside the De Serres art store at Woodbine.  Silly Goose is selling beautiful toys, books and baby gear. There is a train table in the back and there will soon be mummy/daddy and baby activities as well.  Owners, Shamie and Tracy are friendly and helpful and so incredibly delighted to be in the neighbourhood.

Last stop, just past Woodbine is True Brew Cafe. It was written up with rave reviews in the Toronto Star today.

Don’t forget our Harvest Festival on Thursday, featuring the delectable dishes of Food Network host and Chef, Lynn Crawford. Lynn will be at the market from 3-7 p.m. with food and wine. Come one, come all.

One last thing!  We really need some donations to help pay for painting the wading pool.  For every $5 you donate on Thursday night to the pool fund, your name will be entered to win $50 market bucks!

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A Grand Thanks – Danforth East Arts Fair

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It goes without saying that the third annual Danforth East Arts Fair was a hit. Even Mother Nature cooperated by holding off on the rain so 50 artisans, musicians and food vendors could take over East Lynn Park for a wonderful community event.

It also goes without saying that these events don’t just come together by themselves. A core group of volunteers worked for nine months to bring it all together — and many, many more helped out in the days leading up to and during the fair. Thank-yous are in order. And so, without further adieu, we say thank you to the following amazing people:

For the past three years Mary Vallis has led this amazing initiative from concept to creation. She’s endured every headache and she deserves much of the glory.  But she most certainly did not do it alone.  A core group of people have been planning this event for a year including: Melanie Ramsay, Julie Glick, Fernand Ciraco, Heather Bell Denison and Honey Dacanay.

Postering: Mike Riley

Web support: Lesley Westheuser

Stunning graphic design (posters and ads): Marie Rampino and Andrea Crofts

Weekend volunteers: The aforementioned, along with Sheri Hebdon, Cindy Rozeboom, Paul the New Guy, Catherine Porter, Jessica Schmiedchen,  Lorraine Cheng, Anita Schretien, Eric Denison, Alison McMurray and more.

Countless more people also helped out — some of whom asked to remain anonymous, and others who we have likely inadvertently forgotten. Even so, we thank you too, and ask for apologies if we’ve made an oversight.

Next up, our sponsors: A huge thanks goes out to our media sponsor, Toronto Community News, as well as  De Serres, Toronto Hydro, Starbucks and the new Danforth toy store Silly Goose Kids, who provided free arts and crafts activities for children during the fair.

Most importantly, we’d like to thank each and every person who turned out to support the arts. You’re the reason there is an arts fair — you asked for  it, so we created it. Stay tuned for an even bigger and better show next September.