NeighbourLink Is Cooking Something Big — Taste of North York Is Back (And You’re Invited)
Dear North York community, weekend procrastinators, food lovers, and those who say “we’ll decide later” as if later has ever been reliable.
I come to you today with urgency, affection, and very good suggestions.
Because from June 5–7, Mel Lastman Square becomes the place where sensible plans are cancelled and better ones begin: Taste of North York Community & Food Festival.
Last year, I volunteered all three days from beginning to end.
And by beginning to end, I mean:
- setup while the square was still waking up
- greeting people as they arrived
- helping backstage
- photography
- assisting wherever needed
- smiling through mild exhaustion
- teardown when everyone else had gone home and only the true believers remained
So no, I’m not speaking as a casual observer.
I’m speaking as someone who has seen this event from the glamorous side… and the side involving extension cords.
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| Snapshot from last year’s event! |
What I Learned Last Year
Firstly: North York contains an alarming amount of talent.
I saw musicians who should have had dramatic entrances.
Performers who commanded the stage effortlessly.
Vendors producing food that made strangers look at each other in silent respect.
Artists creating beauty in real time.
Volunteers doing the work of six people while insisting they were “fine.”
And somehow all of it happened in one square.
Honestly, if you had told me I’d witness world-class energy beside people eating dumplings and taking selfies, I would have believed you immediately.
The Unexpectedly Emotional Part
Several people came to say hello and told me they had been sitting at home, saw my posts or live videos, then decided to come.
That genuinely warmed my heart.
Because we underestimate how often people are one small nudge away from joy.
Sometimes the difference between a forgettable Saturday and a beautiful memory is simply:
“Should we go?”
Yes.
Please.
Put shoes on.
First picture- Sebastian’s excitement is practically leaping out of the frame — meanwhile, Sarah has clearly spotted something far more fascinating on the other side
Second picture-The stunning Desna Ukrainian dance group took the stage and absolutely delivered!
Why This Festival Is Different
Many events offer entertainment.
Many events offer food.
Some offer both, then charge you emotional damage for parking.
But Taste of North York offers something better: it feels like the city remembering itself.
You see families relaxing.
Neighbours meeting.
Kids running as if cardio is a privilege.
Seniors smiling at performances.
Friends sharing food.
Volunteers helping strangers like they’ve known them for years.
It’s not manufactured.
It’s not forced.
It’s real.
And that is rare enough to appreciate properly.
The People Behind the Magic (And Why They Deserve Their Own Standing Ovation)
Events like this do not appear by accident. They are built by people with vision, patience, humour, stamina, and the rare ability to answer five questions at once while still smiling.
Because I’ve worked alongside NeighbourLink’s team, I can say sincerely: they are the real deal.
Maria Speare – Executive Director
Maria leads with quiet strength — the kind that doesn’t need to announce itself. She is soft-spoken, thoughtful, deeply caring, and always looking for ways to help others.
I’ve personally seen her encourage small businesses, support new organizations, and make people feel seen. Some people lead from the front loudly. Maria leads by lifting others higher.
And in today’s world, that is powerful.
Sebastian Biasucci – Marketing & Events Manager
Now let us speak about Sebastian — a man who, at this point, seems to have developed a community-level celebrity status without ever formally announcing it.
Every time I go to cover a vendor, artist, or guest at a NeighbourLink event, the conversation somehow finds its way to:
“Oh, Sebastian? I know him.”
“Yes yes, Sebastian is my friend.”
“Tell Sebastian I said hello.”
“Sebastian helped me before.”
People say it with the kind of pride usually reserved for knowing someone mildly famous.
At this point, I wouldn’t be surprised if North York had a hidden network called People Who Know Sebastian Personally.
What makes it even funnier is that he is genuinely humble about it. No dramatic entrances. No unnecessary self-importance. Just quietly being liked by what feels like half the city.
He is talented, creative, highly organized, and one of the strongest emcees I’ve seen at community events. He knows how to hold the energy of a crowd, keep things moving, and make people feel included across every age group.
Children warm up to him quickly. Seniors enjoy him. Adults trust him. And I have personally seen him draw full conversations out of people who arrived looking determined to speak to absolutely no one.
At this point, I am convinced if you left Sebastian beside a statue long enough, even that would eventually open up and share its life story.
He has that rare gift of making people feel comfortable, seen, and welcome — which is exactly why he is so effective at what he does.
Jordan Dover – Youth Program Coordinator
Jordan is passionate about supporting young people, and you can feel that sincerity immediately.
He has a natural ability to connect with youth in a way that feels genuine, respectful, and uplifting. Not everyone can do that. It takes patience, empathy, and authenticity — qualities he clearly carries well.
Lily Su – Volunteer Coordinator
If you have ever managed one volunteer, you know it takes effort.
Lily helps coordinate hundreds.
That alone deserves applause and hydration.
She is kind, soft-spoken, warm, organized, emotionally intelligent, and knows how to lead without ego — a rare and admirable quality. She supports people calmly, treats others with respect, and somehow keeps everything moving with grace.
Quiet leadership is still leadership. Lily proves that beautifully.
Andrea Chang – Training & Development Coordinator
Andrea is another strong pillar within NeighbourLink. She brings kindness, care, intelligence, and a lovely sense of humour that makes hard work feel lighter.
Every great organization needs people who are competent and kind. Andrea is both.
Roberto Castillo Elizondo – Food Programs Coordinator
Roberto is one of those steady, dependable people every organization quietly relies on.
Patient, hardworking, practical, and solutions-oriented — the kind of person who can keep an entire village functioning behind the scenes without needing attention for it.
Some people make noise. Others make things work. Roberto is the second kind.
Sarah Dicks – Seniors Program Coordinator
Sarah is simply one of those rare people whose goodness is immediately felt.
You meet her once and know: this is a safe, caring, genuine human being.
She listens with real interest, interacts with warmth, and has a gift for lifting people’s spirits naturally. Some people are memorable because they are loud. Sarah is memorable because she is kind.
And that stays with people.
And Then There Are the Volunteers
NeighbourLink is also blessed with many volunteers whose contributions deserve equal respect.
Different backgrounds.
Different ages.
Different stories.
Yet so many generous personalities united by one simple idea: help where you can.
That spirit is part of what makes Taste of North York so special.
What’s Happening This Year
This year looks even better, which frankly feels a bit competitive.
Food From Everywhere Worth Going
Korean, Chinese, Persian, Ukrainian, Caribbean, Filipino, Brazilian, Greek, Indian cuisines and more.
A beautiful reminder that North York may be one of the best places to eat while barely moving geographically.
Entertainment With Actual Personality
There will be:
- Latin Night
- Persian Party
- Brazilian Party
- K-pop celebration
- Ukrainian Hour
- Indian Hour
- Filipino Hour
- Local bands and live performances
Which means even people who came saying “I’m just here for food” may leave dancing unexpectedly.
Family Activities That Save Parents Everywhere
Kids’ fun includes:
- Sunnyside Up Camp
- Aura Aerial Arts
- Willowdale School of Music
- Games and activities
And perhaps my favourite detail:
A 9-Hole Mini Golf Course Built by Neighbours
Only in a great community do people say, “You know what this festival needs? Mini golf. Let’s build it.”
That level of initiative deserves applause.
Why I Keep Coming Back
At this point, attending all three days has become tradition for me.
And traditions matter.
Not because they are dramatic, but because they remind us who we are.
This festival reminds me that North York is generous.
Creative.
Funny.
Diverse.
Kind.
And capable of gathering beautifully when given the chance.
Also, it reminds me to wear comfortable shoes.
Final Thought
I’ve seen this event before opening, during the crowds, behind the scenes, and after teardown.
And after all that, my conclusion is simple:
It’s not just worth attending.
It’s worth being proud of.
North York has something beautiful here.
Show up for it.
🔗 Learn more and plan your visit: https://www.neighbourlink.org/taste
A Little Poem for the Weekend
Where many hands make light and cheer,
And neighbours gather year by year,
Where music dances through the square,
And kindness seems to fill the air.
Where flavours meet and stories start,
Where strangers leave with fuller heart,
If home could host a holiday—
It would look like North York this way.
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