Celebrating Vaughan’s award-winning events

City recognized with three awards from the International Festivals and Events Association

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 by the International Festivals and Events Association (IFEA)!

In recognition of Vaughan’s commitment to delivering Service Excellence, the City’s Recreation Services Events team recently received three IFEA/Haas & Wilkerson Insurance Pinnacle Awards. These 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.

The City received Silver Awards for events in the following categories:

• Best Sponsor Partner (Budget $100,000-$500,000) – Vaughan Celebrates - TD Bank
• Best Overall Entertainment (Budget under $500,000) – Vaughan Celebrates Canada Day
• Best Community Outreach Program (Budget under $100,000) – Vaughan Culture Days

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. 

To learn more about City events, visit vaughan.ca/events.

QUOTES

“The City of Vaughan’s Event’s team puts on some of the best events in the world. On behalf of Members of Council, I want to congratulate everyone in the City’s Recreation Services’ Events division for winning three prestigious awards from the International Festivals and Events Association, and Haas & Wilkerson Pinnacle Awards Competition. The Vaughan Celebrates program, which includes Winterfest, Concerts in the Park and Canada Day, was front and centre this year winning for its best-in-class entertainment and sponsorships. I am also pleased that Vaughan’s Culture Days won for its community outreach – which is an important component of any successful event. Our 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. Congratulations once again on this incredible achievement.”

- Mayor Steven Del Duca 

“Congratulations to the City’s Recreation Services department on earning these prestigious awards! Our talented Events team continues to embrace innovation and Service Excellence to deliver quality, family-friendly entertainment and provide opportunities to celebrate Vaughan’s many cultures and faiths. I’d also like to express my appreciation for the committed staff across the organization who work hard to support these annual events as well as the amazing volunteers who dedicate their time and resources to ensure a memorable experience for residents and visitors.”

- Zoran Postic, 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. We have made it our mission to provide free, top-notch festivities that bring the community together to celebrate Vaughan’s diversity, culture and heritage. I would also like to extend my thanks to our many community sponsors and partners. These events would not be possible without their unwavering support.”

- Gus Michaels, Deputy City Manager, Community Services

QUICK FACTS 

• The City of Vaughan’s Recreation Services’ Events team recently received three Silver Pinnacle Awards from the International Festivals and Events Association through the Haas & Wilkerson Pinnacle Awards Competition for Vaughan Celebrates, Vaughan Celebrates Canada Day and Vaughan Culture Days.
• These awards were recognized during a ceremonial presentation at the Tuesday, Nov. 5 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.
• To mark Canada’s 157th birthday, the City hosted its award-winning annual Vaughan Celebrates Canada Day event on July 1, 2024. This fun-filled day featured live entertainment from a wide variety of incredible performers, including Kardinal Offishall, activities, giveaways, food trucks and so much more.
• 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. 20 to Oct. 13, with the City of Vaughan selected as a Regional Festival Hub.

LEARN MORE 

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