Celebrating Vaughan’s award-winning events

Throughout the year, the City of Vaughan provides free, fun family-friendly events that draw crowds from across the Greater Toronto Area to celebrate arts, culture and more – and they are being acknowledged in a big way! 

In recognition of Vaughan’s commitment to delivering Service Excellence, the City’s Recreation Services department recently received three Pinnacle Awards from the International Festivals and Events Association (IFEA). The awards were celebrated by Mayor Steven Del Duca and Members of Council during a special ceremonial presentation at today’s Committee of the Whole (1) meeting. 

At the 2023 IFEA Pinnacle Awards, which took place on Monday, Oct. 9 in McAllen, Texas, the City’s Events team was presented with Gold Awards for the following:

• Best Promotional Brochure – Ontario Culture Days 
• Best Overall Sponsorship Program – Vaughan Celebrates 
• Best Overall Entertainment Program – Vaughan Celebrates Winterfest 

The IFEA Pinnacle Awards recognize the outstanding accomplishments and top-quality creative, promotional, operational and community outreach programs and materials produced by festivals and events around the world. 

About Vaughan Celebrates

Through the Vaughan Celebrates program, the City is proud to provide events including Winterfest, Concerts in the Park and Canada Day, along with many other community, cultural and festive celebrations, the Volunteer Recognition Awards, park openings and more. Check out the upcoming events calendar to see what's going on in the community! To learn more about City events, visit vaughan.ca/events.

About Culture Days 

Each year, hundreds of artists and organizers participate in Ontario Culture Days – an annual celebration of arts, culture and heritage. This year’s festival took place from Sept. 22 to Oct. 15, with the City of Vaughan selected as a Regional Festival Hub. It was a unique opportunity to continue to foster cultural understanding and promote inclusivity, all while exploring various forms of art, music, dance and literature in Vaughan. More than a dozen 2023 Culture Days events took place in Vaughan. Learn more at vaughan.ca/culture.

QUOTES

“On behalf of Members of Council, I want to congratulate the City of Vaughan’s Recreation Services department for winning three prestigious awards from the International Festivals and Events Association. The Vaughan Celebrates program, which includes Winterfest, Concerts in the Park and Canada Day, was front and centre this year winning for its sponsorship program. Vaughan Celebrates Winterfest also won for its quality entertainment programming and Ontario Culture Days won for its promotional brochure. The incredible Events team is dedicated to delivering exceptional events year-round for residents and visitors to enjoy. This important recognition showcases their hard work and passion, and demonstrates the City’s continued commitment to elevating the quality of life in our community.”

- Mayor Steven Del Duca 

“These awards are a symbol of the hard work and dedication the City of Vaughan’s Events division brings to the table every day. Their commitment to hosting quality, family-friendly entertainment for the community time and again is second to none. The Vaughan Celebrates program is one of the highlights of the year that people look forward to attending. The talented Events team continues to bring originality and creativity in showcasing Ontario Culture Days and some of the opportunities for residents to experience different cultures and traditions. Congratulations to the Recreation Services department on earning these awards!”
- Nick Spensieri, City Manager

“I am pleased to congratulate the City of Vaughan’s Events team and the entire Recreation Services department on winning three awards from the International Festivals and Events Association. This team continues to showcase Vaughan as a destination for some of the best family-friendly entertainment year after year. They go above and beyond to plan events that bring the community together to celebrate Vaughan’s diversity, culture and heritage.” 

- Gus Michaels, Deputy City Manager, Community Services

QUICK FACTS 

• The City of Vaughan’s Recreation Services department recently received three Gold Pinnacle Awards from the International Festivals and Events Association for Ontario Culture Days, the Vaughan Celebrates program, and Vaughan Celebrates Winterfest.
• These awards were recognized during a ceremonial presentation at the Tuesday, Oct. 31 Committee of the Whole (1) meeting.
• Through the Vaughan Celebrates program, the City is proud to provide residents with free, fun, family-friendly events all year round, including Winterfest, Concerts in the Park and Canada Day.
• Each year, hundreds of artists and organizers participate in Ontario Culture Days – an annual celebration of arts, culture and heritage. This year’s festival took place from Sept. 22 to Oct. 15, with the City of Vaughan selected as a Regional Festival Hub.

LEARN MORE 

• City of Vaughan Events webpage
• City of Vaughan Culture Days webpage