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- 1964-1998 (Creation)
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The Toronto International Caravan began in 1969 and ran until 2004. It was a city-wide event meant to celebrate Toronto’s growing diversity. Cultural groups could host pavilions named after a city from their country, offering guests and visitors a look into their culture. Food, drink, dance, music, and other cultural practices were celebrated. Young women would also compete first in a beauty pageant to become Miss. Tokyo, and then she would go on to compete for Miss. Caravan. The Japanese Canadian community became a regular participant, hosting their Tokyo pavilion at the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre on 123 Wynford Drive. They were regularly awarded Best Pavilion and Best Theme Exterior.
Jack Hemmy regularly photographed these events. Photographs include the beauty pageants, cultural dance events, cultural music events, and exterior shots of the decorated pavilion. Textual records include program books, tickets, and passes to the events.