Brampton Residents Welcome Summer on June 20

Brampton - The lazy, hazy days of summer are fast approaching and Brampton residents are set to welcome the heat with a busy Saturday of events. The annual Flower City Parade, the opening of the FarmersMarket and the kick-off of Communities in Bloom events all take place on Saturday, June 20.

"What a wonderful opportunity for families and friends to experience our historic downtown," says Mayor Susan Fennell. "Come downtown and kick off the beginning of another great Brampton summer."

The 23rd season of the Brampton Farmers‟ Market begins at 7 am and takes place on Main Street between Theatre Lane and John Street. The day starts with the Inzola Pancake Breakfast, which benefits the arts in Brampton. The downtown core transforms into a colourful, outdoor street festival which features fresh, local Ontario produce, preserves, baked goods and works from local artists and craftspeople. Over 40 vendors are on-site to sell their wares. The Brampton Farmers‟ Market runs through October 10, every Saturday, rain or shine, from 7 am until 1 pm.

At 2 pm, the Annual Flower City Parade begins at Church Street and winds its way down Main Street, past Gage Park to Frederick Street. Floats covered in bright blooms, festive marching bands, stilt walkers and other street performers celebrate Brampton's Flower City heritage.

The day also marks the kick-off of the 2009 Communities in Bloom across Brampton. In 2008, Brampton won the highest honour of the competition – the International Award. This year, Brampton is part of the Circle of Excellence – a prestigious category only past national title-holders can participate in.

Although Brampton is not formally participating in this year's competition, the City is still holding its two signature events. On Thursday, July 23 from 6 - 9 pm at Garden Square, the City is hosting the Communities in Bloom Street Festival – a family event featuring local artists, face painting, music and street performers.

The celebration continues on Thursday, August 13 at Donald M. Gordon Chinguacousy Park at the Communities in Bloom Community Showcase. From 6 - 9 pm, the public can visit the beautiful grounds, enjoy a free BBQ and learn about the many community partners who help make Brampton a wonderful place to live.