On May 17, 2025, Cornell Community Park was transformed into a lush, vibrant green space as the CEFS Centre’s annual Gardening Festival came to a joyful conclusion under the warm spring sun. Centered around the theme “Green Living, Sharing the Beauty”, the event drew hundreds of participants including local residents, volunteers, and special guests. Through a variety of gardening activities and eco-friendly practices, the festival brought fresh vitality and spring spirit into the community.
During the preparation phase, the organizing team thoughtfully planned a diverse lineup of activities, including a flower exchange, free distribution of flowers and vegetable seedlings, plant care sharing sessions, children’s gardening activities, as well as second-hand item swaps, charit76y sales, and park cleanup efforts. These initiatives aimed to foster ecological awareness through resident interaction.
Festivities began early at 7:45 AM, with volunteers transporting plants and setting up the venue. Official registration started at 10:00 AM, followed by the opening ceremony at 10:30 AM, which marked the highlight of the day. York Regional Councilor Alan Ho attended in person and presented a congratulatory letter to the community. Provincial MPP Billy Pang also sent a letter of congratulations, expressing support for the event and acknowledging the CEFS Centre’s role in promoting community cohesion and advocating for green living.
Chairperson Ms. Zhenxia He remarked in her speech: “The Flower and Plant Festival is more than just a horticultural celebration — it’s a platform for residents to jointly build and share the vision of a greener lifestyle.” President Susan Li followed with a call to action, urging everyone to “integrate green values into daily life to make our community more vibrant and full of warmth.”
The atmosphere was instantly ignited with the opening waist drum dance performance, “Drums of Celebration”. This was followed by a heartwarming singing performance “Songs and Laughter” by community seniors, whose melodic voices conveyed the deep sense of togetherness within the community. A lively dance performance titled “Song of Spring” then took the celebration to its peak, with dancers using graceful movements to capture the spirit of the festival.
The event featured several dedicated zones. The plant exchange area buzzed with excitement as residents shared their home-grown plants. In the children’s gardening area, kids learned how to plant under the guidance of volunteers, their little hands playfully engaging with vibrant seedlings. The second-hand swap and charity sale area enabled residents to promote sustainability through exchanging seeds and goods. Volunteers worked systematically to distribute flower and vegetable seedlings. CEFS Centre also provided gardening gloves as gifts for participants, which were warmly received.
Additionally, there was a waste-sorting workshop and a community park cleanup activity. These hands-on efforts raised environmental awareness and encouraged everyone to help maintain a greener home.
Of special note was the volunteer team, easily recognizable by their green vests, who served as the “moving name cards” of the event. They guided guests through sign-in, maintained order, and helped run activities smoothly. Their professionalism and enthusiasm ensured the event’s seamless execution. As the festival drew to a close, volunteers and participants gathered for a group photo, providing a perfect conclusion to this springtime celebration.
From sunrise to sunset, Cornell Park was filled with joy and warmth. The success of this Gardening Festival showcased the CEFS Centre’s cohesion and creativity. It strengthened neighborhood bonds and embedded the concept of “Green living starts with me” deeply in everyone’s hearts.
Let’s look forward to reuniting at next year’s Gardening Festival!
