Toronto Pearson Kicks-Off Scotiabank BuskerFest with First-Ever Exclusive Performance Series at the Airport

~ Guests surprised with unique, original acts from around the world,
including the renowned Dream State Circus ~

TORONTO, Aug. 20, 2012 /CNW/ – Toronto Pearson was full of laughs and
excitement yesterday as airport gates were reminiscent of busy city
streets, featuring performances from buskers around the world. The
festivities marked the beginning of Scotiabank BuskerFest – North
America’s largest busker festival, in support of Epilepsy Toronto.

Magicians, jugglers, comedians and acrobats filled areas throughout
Terminal 1 delighting guests with live busker performances featuring
International award winning duo, Dream State Circus and Cirque
Mechanics founder, Chris Lashua.

“Toronto Pearson is thrilled to be celebrating Scotiabank BuskerFest in
support of Epilepsy Toronto for the very first time,” said Jennifer
Larson, Manager, Guest Experience Marketing, Toronto Pearson.
“Partnering with Scotiabank BuskerFest allows us to bring elements of
this long-standing Toronto tradition to our guests and share this
unique experience with them, while supporting a great cause.”

In addition to Dream State Circus and Chris Lashua, guests were wowed by
a range of international street performers including Canada’s own
juggler Dawn Dreams who performed with her crystal ball, and Chinese
pole performer Pancho Libre whose acrobatic, mind-boggling feats left
guests astounded.

As part of the festivities, Toronto Pearson introduced the “Check in for
Charity” program. One of the most checked-in places in Canada on
Facebook and FourSquare, Toronto Pearson donated $1 for every check-in
at the airport starting on August 16(th) to Epilepsy Toronto. Thanks to the support of airport guests and
visitors, Toronto Pearson was able to raise over $5,000 to support the
cause.

About the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA):

The GTAA is the operator of Toronto Pearson International Airport,
Canada’s biggest airport and one of the largest airports in North
America in terms of passenger and air cargo traffic.  In 2011, Toronto
Pearson handled 33.4 million passengers and is ranked 4th largest in
international passenger traffic in North America.  The focus of the
GTAA continues to be on competitiveness, growing the airport’s status
as an international gateway, meeting the needs of our guests and
ensuring the long-term success of the organization, our airline
customers and the regional economy. Join Toronto Pearson on Facebook
and Twitter (@torontopearson) #PearsonBuskerFest

About Scotiabank BuskerFest:

North America’s largest busker festival, Scotiabank BuskerFest is
Toronto’s wildly successful international street performers’ festival,
now in its 13th wacky, outlandish year. Produced by Epilepsy Toronto,
this year’s event runs Thursday, August 23 to Sunday, August 26, 2012
throughout the historic St. Lawrence Market neighbourhood.

SOURCE Greater Toronto Airports Authority

Video with caption: “Video: Toronto Pearson Kicks-Off Scotiabank BuskerFest with First-Ever Exclusive Performance Series at the Airport “. Video available at: http://stream1.newswire.ca/cgi-bin/playback.cgi?file=20120820_C8419_VIDEO_EN_17115.mp4&posterurl=http://photos.newswire.ca/images/20120820_C8419_PHOTO_EN_17115.jpg&clientName=Greater%20Toronto%20Airports%20Authority&caption=Video%3A%20Toronto%20Pearson%20Kicks%2DOff%20Scotiabank%20BuskerFest%20with%20First%2DEver%20Exclusive%20Performance%20Series%20at%20the%20Airport%20&title=GREATER%20TORONTO%20AIRPORTS%20AUTHORITY%20%2D%20Scotiabank%20BuskerFest%20&headline=Toronto%20Pearson%20Kicks%2DOff%20Scotiabank%20BuskerFest%20with%20First%2DEver%20Exclusive%20Performance%20Series%20at%20the%20Airport