Happy Spring Cabbagetowners!
It’s here! The Forsythia Festival is back this Sunday, May 4th.
The parade will start at 10:30 a.m. at the corner of Sumach and Wellesley, and the festival will run from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at Wellesley Park.
Wear yellow and come prepared for fun – we have a mechanical bull, a magician, a BBQ and a beer tent! Check out the full schedule of events, timing, parade route and sponsors, please visit our website.
Sponsor Spotlight – Gold
The Forsythia Festival would not be possible without our generous sponsors. Thank you to the generous contributions from the Gold level sponsors below.
Cabbagetown Rovers
Cabbagetown Rovers is a volunteer run pickup soccer team for kids aged ~7-15 years old who live in the hood. We play for fun on the weekends at Spruce Court. No cleats needed, no money changes hands, and no fuss. Come and play when you can. Join the email list and we will let you know dates and times for our pickup games during the spring and summer. Email Dave at cabbagetownrovers@gmail.com
Castillo + Pardo
CASTILLO + PARDO is a traditional real estate team with a modern twist. They focus on the relationships with their clients and making their real estate experience warm, authentic and flawless.
They take on all the design, visual, marketing and promotion of their client’s properties, and their clear expression and warm touch is what distinguishes them. Their model is based on an intimate collaboration between their sales team, their staging designer, videographer and photographer. They evaluate the home and create a strategy unique to its soul to convey both materially and visually.
They know that selling or buying a home is an important decision – they will take on your property as their own and will make it shine. If you are considering a move, consider partnering with Castillo + Pardo.
Cycle Solutions
A long-time sponsor of the Forsythia Festival, Cycle Solutions is back again this year with a generous donation of two stride bikes for the Forsythia Raffle!
Cycle Solutions is all about passion! They are in the business of not just selling you your favourite bike, but also empowering and inspiring customers to use it as often as they can. Not only are they passionate about cycling, but they also strive to go above and beyond the service you would expect from your local, family-owned business.
With the warm weather (hopefully) around the corner, it’s time to take out your bikes and get ready for summer. If you need a spring tune up for your bike after a long winter, have misplaced your bike lock or helmet or are ready to test out a brand new bike, be sure to visit Cycle Solutions!
Daniel et Daniel
“Exceeding Expectations one plate at a time”
Whether you are planning a cocktail reception, corporate event, or a wedding, we are your caterer. For over four decades Daniel et Daniel has been at the industry forefront of Toronto’s dynamic catering Industry and has delivered spectacular catered events.
Hepburn Landscaping
Did you know that Michael Hepburn has been supporting community initiatives in Cabbagetown for 20 years? He has been a Gold sponsor of the Forsythia Festival for many years and he generously donated the butterfly garden at Riverdale Farm. His financial contributions to our neighbourhood go a long way to sustaining Cabbagetown’s attractions and events year over year.
Michael is the third-generation owner of Hepburn Landscaping and like his father before him, feels that it’s important to be part of the community in which he works. He has specialized in landscaping Cabbagetown properties for 19 years and approximately 80% of his projects are located within our neighbourhood. We are grateful to Michael for his continued support and commitment to Cabbagetown.
As the planting season begins, you will likely see Michael’s distinctive truck and lawn signs in the neighbourhood – so be sure to give him a wave of recognition when you see him.
House on Parliament
A staple in Cabbagetown, the House on Parliament has been in business for close to 30 years. Serving up fine fare, libation & diversion you are guaranteed to encounter eclectic banter, solid conversation and some of the best food in Toronto!
Tania and Beau have always been great supporters of community events in the neighborhood, including the Forsythia Festival: “We love the community involvement. It has been amazing to watch it grow from a tiny little event to what it has become today. Kudos to all the hard-working volunteers for pulling off such a joyful day.”
The HOP decided to become a Gold Member sponsor in 2016. “The neighbourhood has given us so much over the years that we happily give back,” says Tania. “It is even easier when it is an incredibly well organized free event for kids and families. Thrilled to be associated with the Forsythia Festival!”Hungry? Thirsty? In need of some always interesting conversation? Be sure to stop in at the House on Parliament at 454 Parliament Street. Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 12 a.m., Monday to Thursday; 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 a.m., Friday; 11 a.m. to a a.m., Saturday; and 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m., Sunday.
Mikaku Udon Bar
We are thrilled to welcome Mikaku Udon Bar as a first-time gold sponsor this year! Located at 229 Carlton Street, Mikaku is a new casual Japanese restaurant in the neighbourhood that specializes in thick-cut udon noodles – all made in house! They offer a wide selection of Asian fusion dishes including maple bacon garlic fries, beef tartare and herbal chicken udon. Their chicken curry udon is a very popular choice!
In addition to the stylish dining space on the main level, they have a private room on the lower level. It has a fully stocked bar and is an ideal spot for hosting parties or events.
Steak and Chops
Did you know that Mark Michelin, owner of St. Jamestown Steak & Chops, is one of our longest standing Forsythia Festival Gold sponsors?
Mark has been donating his time, energy, and product to the Festival for over 10 years. His generosity is what makes our Forsythia Festival BBQ such a roaring success and we certainly couldn’t do it without his support. We hope you will come out to the Festival on Sunday May 4th in Wellesley Park to enjoy something off the grill. Again this year Mark’s menu will include his famous beef burgers, hot dogs, in-house pulled pork sandwiches and portobello mushroom burgers – truly something for everyone to enjoy.
If you can’t make it to the Festival, consider dropping by Steak & Chops (SW corner of Winchester and Parliament) to say a quick thanks to Mark for all that he does to give back to our community.
The Epicure Shop
The Epicure Shop has been supporting the Forsythia Festival for 45 years! You just have to walk by their shop window at 473 Parliament to see all of the Forsythia sponsorship stickers in the window! Owner/operator Patty is also heavily involved in our local community and has served on the BIA board for over 40 years.
The Epicure shop is a family owned and operated deli & gourmet food shop that has served the Cabbagetown community since 1980. They offer a wonderful selection of specialty breads, cheeses, meats, coffee and desserts! The Epicure also serves delicious original sandwiches and breakfast sandwiches. New to the shop recently is a frozen meal section – just heat and eat!
If you are looking for delicious treats, a readymade lunch during a busy day, or a few specialty items to round out your grocery shopping, be sure to stop by Epicure – you will not be disappointed!
Hours are Monday to Friday 8:00 am – 6:00 pm and Sunday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.
Parliament Street Fitness
Have you been to the best gym in town? Parliament Street Fitness is a neighbourhood-oriented, boutique fitness centre focusing on the health and well-being of Cabbagetown residents.
Their goal is to provide a clean, safe, comfortable and welcoming environment to meet, socialize, and of course – enjoy a great personal or group workout! They want all of their members to regularly attend their facility, participate in a wide range of classes and programs and exceed their health and fitness goals.
PSF offers our members a bright, well organized space to workout on their own as well as a wide range of classes (included with our membership) and sports therapy services.
If you are a regular gym goer or someone who aspires to be at the gym more often, Parliament Street Fitness is for you! With a warm and welcoming team, welcoming classes for all fitness levels, Parliament Street Fitness is the perfect place to advance your fitness goals.
Salt & Tobacco
Salt & Tobacco on Parliament Street, serves tasty pizza, a few salads and a selection of local beers and honest wines (plus free sparkling water on tap!). Open since August 2016, it’s their mission to serve affordable food of the highest quality and best service in a great space. They love pizza and they hope you love it too.
As long time sponsors of the Forsythia Festival, Salt & Tobacco have generously donated the much beloved bouncy castle!
If you are looking for a cozy night in with a movie, why not order Salt & Tobacco pizza to turn it into a pizza party? Or, looking for a delicious simple dinner out? Grab a table at Salt & Tobacco and enjoy their delicious pizzas.
Stout Irish Pub
Long time supporters of the Forsythia Festival, Stout is back again this year as a Gold Sponsor! If you haven’t already been, Stout is an incredible Irish pub with delicious food and a friendly atmosphere. They are open for dinner seven days a week so there are no excuses not to stop in – even if it is just on an off day from work or school (or both!)
The food at Stout is not only delicious but also a perfect representation of Ireland’s rich tradition. And, if you’re looking for a fun evening out, check out Headscatchers Trivia night (every Monday and Tuesday)!
There’s a reason why they are one of Toronto’s best kept secrets, come and find out why!
Weenan General Contracting
Weenan is a leading contractor behind some of Cabbagetown’s most beautiful homes! As a partner on contracting projects, Weenan pride themselves on their communication, superior design and workmanship.
They see it as their job to take your vision and clearly communicate concepts as well as identify smart improvements, potential issues, required inspections, and necessary approvals at every step. Having worked on many many many Cabbagetown homes, they are experts in
Cabbagetown is where Weenan grew their reputation for excellence with an ability to transform and restore Victorian homes. But their expensive portfolio also includes homes in Rosedale, Moore Park, Lawrence Park, and Forest Hill.
Weenan have been long standing sponsors of the Forsythia Festival as well as other Cabbagetown community initiatives.