The Festival endeavours to have entertainment going on the Stage in the Park to ensure that every minute of this event is fun. See who we have booked so far!
*More entertainment to be added in coming months.
Host of Silver Birch Express & Silver Birch Fiction Award Ceremonies – May 14th
Ainara Alleyne is a 13-year-old elementary student from Hamilton, Ontario. Ainara curates the Instagram page @ainarasbookshelf, where she highlights books for young people whose authors and main characters are Black, Indigenous, people of colour, differently abled and other underrepresented communities. She believes that by experiencing other cultures and perspectives through books, we can not only acknowledge our differences but understand and embrace them. Ainara was Hamilton Public Library’s first Junior Librarian in residence and speaks to student teachers at various Universities and pedagogy symposiums, and has been featured in the New York Times, CBC, CTV and numerous podcasts. Her middle book review TV show, also called Ainara’s Bookshelf, which she created, co-wrote and produced, airs on TVOkids and is currently available on YouTube.
Host of Red Maple & White Pine Award Ceremonies – May 15th
Ali Hassan is a Stand-up Comic, Actor and CBC personality. Ali is the host of the CBC Radio show Laugh Out Loud, and Canada Reads – the literary battle of Canadian books. He is a recurring guest star in the TV shows Sort Of and Run The Burbs. He is currently touring his stage show ‘Does This Taste Funny?’ across Canada. His comedic memoir ‘Is There Bacon in Heaven?’ is out with Simon & Schuster. @standupali
Toronto Jump Rope Club – May 14-15th
Toronto Jump Rope Club is a jump rope team based locally in Toronto and we offer both recreational and competitive programs for children and adults of all ages. Jump rope is a fun and accessible activity for individuals and groups to stay healthy and active. Toronto Jump Rope Club’s commitment to their community is evident through the performances and demonstrations that they offer all year round at local schools, businesses and events. The team boasts both current and past Provincial and National Champions, as well as athletes who hold current Canadian records in speed and power events. Toronto Jump Rope Club is home to talented athletes who have earned the right to represent Canada at the World Jump Rope Championships most recently in Sweden and Colorado Springs, USA.
Rosedale Heights School of the Arts – Senior Band – May 15th
The RHSA Senior Band is a co-curricular performing group of students mostly in Grades 11 & 12 at Rosedale Heights School of the Arts in Toronto. We rehearse once a week after school and enjoy playing music at school events such as the Terry Fox BBQ fundraiser, Gr 8 Open House, and Music Night concerts. We play in a variety of styles including rock, funk, and jazz. Our students are encouraged to create their own arrangements for the band so that we can play their favourite tunes. Senior Band is excited for the opportunity to play for you at the Forest of Reading Festival!
