2008 Rogers Chinese Lantern Festival

By: Toronto4Kids

The Rogers Chinese Lantern Festival renowned for its high cultural attainment, numerous masterpieces, and impressive grandeur and pageantry, takes on a new look for 2008! This summer tradition by the lake features all new handcrafted lantern sets created for the 2008 Rogers Chinese Lantern Festival in "All New World Edition". In fact, this year's festival offers visitors an extraordinary experience that will take them to some of the world's greatest architectural landmarks in a new, spectacular light.

32 colossal lantern collections give visitors the chance to travel around the globe and the opportunity of standing within arms reach of world wonders such as the Taj Mahal, the Eiffel Tower, the Tower of Big Ben, and the Statue of Liberty, among many others. And these aren't just miniature replicas. These lanterns stand between 12 to 18 meters high! One highlight is undoubtedly the Porcelain Pagoda, a vivid lantern set built with 250,000 porcelain pieces including plates, bowls, spoons, and teacups!

You'll also travel through time experiencing the thrill of life amongst the dinosaurs. Take an up close look at animals (all 300 of them!) from each of the world's continents and see unimaginable displays of marine life.

During the festival, Ontario Place seems to be taken over by mountains of lanterns with its waterfront of glistening lights. But this festival is more than just a feast for the eyes. 2008 also presents a delectable Mandarin Food Market with appetizing foods from Asia, the Middle East and the Mediterranean. The Food Market also features live interactive food demonstrations by skilled Chefs showcasing the art of detailed fruit carving, dumpling and noodle making presentations, as well as curry demonstrations. Traditional costuming and decorations at the Mandarin Food Market will enhance the authenticity of the festival experience. There is also a buzzing marketplace offering one-of-a-kind merchandise.

To complement the festival, two entertainment stages feature nightly performances that consist of both local talents as well as acts direct from China, including acrobats, dancers, musicians, and martial artists.

Equally as impressive as the festival itself is the all work that goes into it. The festival would not be a success without the contribution of the industrious and resourceful people of Zigong, China. 64 craftsmen and women worked countless hours to build these amazing structures - an outstanding demonstration of their talent and skill. It took 45 days to assemble the lanterns, which are displayed on land and in the water throughout the park.

This extraordinary must-see attraction runs until October 12, 2008. It's the largest festival of its kind outside of Asia, and a unique display of Chinese culture. The atmosphere of the entire festival is electrifying and breathtaking, giving spectators a dazzling experience to remember!

To find out more about this Festival that has become a cultural tradition on Toronto's waterfront, visit: www.chineselanternfestival.ca. You can purchase tickets online or at the Ontario Place gates.

Good to know: This Festival will totally amaze your kids! You should note however that the festival lights are only turned on at nightfall (around 9:00pm). Some parts of the Festival are opened earlier (6:00pm) so you can catch a glimpse of certain lanterns by daylight, giving the kids a chance to see the intricacies of the lanterns up close. Of course nothing beats seeing them fully illuminated. The festival runs until 11:00 pm, so it will be a late night and youngsters will get tired. There is quite a bit of ground to cover so make sure the kids wear comfortable shoes. Bring or rent a stroller for toddlers (available at Guest Services). It does get very cool at night by the waterfront so take a warm jacket or a blanket. Don't forget your digital camera as you can still snap some awesome photographs at night (thanks to the brilliant lights of the lanterns!).