DTM Food Fest debuts in Downtown Markham
By David Yin, Local Journalism Initiative reporter
Downtown Markham will feature its first-ever DTM Food Fest to showcase various cultures and cuisines, while also supporting healthcare for the community through the Markham-Stouffville Hospital Foundation (MSHF).
DTM Food Fest is free to attend between Sept. 12 and 14 at the east parking lot of 169 Enterprise Blvd. It will open from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Sept. 12, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Sept. 13, and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sept. 14.
The festival will feature live music, vendors, and food throughout all three days. The event will feature live bands, K-pop performances, hip-hop crews, and DJ sets, along with dozens of vendors ranging from artisan goods to business showcases and charities. Featured cuisines include dishes from China, India, Korea, Japan, Thailand, and Greece.
Special areas will cater to different attendee groups, with a kids’ zone during the day for families and a beer garden for adults during the nighttime entertainment.
The event is organized by Network Production. Event coordinator Etta So said that Markham is an ideal location to host the festival.
“Markham is a very open city for everyone,” she said. “They welcome multicultural communities. So, this is a good place and the right place to celebrate multiculturalism.”
The festival organizers hope to attract upwards of 50,000 visitors, with proceeds going to MSHF, which funds critical medical equipment and technology for the local hospital.
Allan Bell, Vice President of MSHF, said that the foundation is grateful for the festival’s support. He added that MSHF will attend the festival to collect donations from visitors.
“The government doesn’t fund the purchase of all hospital equipment, as a lot of people don’t know,” he said. “Therefore, when we’re raising money for equipment – things like CT scanners, MRI machines, and a lot of the equipment that’s used at the hospital – it’s funded through generous community support and the important work by our foundation.”
DTM Food Fest is currently accepting vendors for the festival. According to So, the festival has secured about 30 vendors, with around 20 more to confirm their attendance.
Network Production has organized various events in Markham, such as Taste of Asia, Canada Day, and the Downtown Markham Music Festival.
Visit @remc.ca on Instagram to learn more about DTM Food Fest.
Photo: DTM Food Fest will take place from Sept. 12 to 14 at 169 Enterprise Blvd. (David Yin photo)