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The St. Catharines Downtown Association (SCDA) is a non-profit organization that represents approximately 700 members including commercial property owners, retailers, restaurants and professional offices in the designated BIA (Business Improvement Area). The mandate of the St. Catharines Downtown Association includes participating in programs aimed at the physical improvement and beautification of the core, as well as the promotion of the Downtown as a great place in which to shop, work, dine, play, meet, live and explore.

This application is for the “Holi Festival of Colour”, taking place on June 14, 2025, in St. Catherines. The Holi Festival of Colour is a celebration of South Asian culture, centred around the traditional Hindu festival of Holi. The event invites attendees to participate in the throwing of eco-friendly colourful powders while dancing to live music. Live performances by South Asian musicians and a DJ will blend traditional and contemporary music, complemented by Bollywood and traditional Garba dance routines. Local downtown restaurants will provide authentic South Asian cuisine. Programming includes:

(1) Expanded Programming for 2025: (i) Bollywood Dance Party at FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, Robertson Hall; (ii) South-Asian Dance Parties in downtown entertainment venues; (iii) South-Asian Comedy Night; and (iv) ticketed, South-Asian Dinners;

(2) colour throwing at the Meridian Centre Parking Area, a new venue in 2025;

(3) South Asian entertainment by musicians, DJs, Bollywood and Bhangra dancers as well as participatory traditional Garba dance (new) and interactive dance lessons;

(4) South Asian cuisine provided by downtown restaurants including Khas Patti and Bansaree, and fusion menus created in collaboration between downtown restaurants and South Asian food trucks (new);

(5) activities and entertainment suitable for all ages such as children’s craft stations (new) and children’s foam party;

(6) the St. Catharines Fire Department will provide a fun wash-down using fire hoses to help clean off the coloured powders; and

(7) culturally diverse retail vendors with a strong focus on South Asian artisans.