LIDO CHILELLI

In 1988, Lido Chilelli, proprietor of Lido's In The Beach, the popular Beaches area restaurant, combined his love of live music and devotion to family entertainment to produce the first ever Beaches International Jazz Festival. Ten years later, Chilelli brought his determination and experience to St. Clair West and helped create the inaugural Corso Italia Festival. In addition to his position as co-producer of the Corso Italia Festival, Chilelli is also involved in the Waterfront Blues, Wasaga Beachfest, Barrie Waterfront Festival and is the President and Producer of the Beaches International Jazz Festival. In its 23rd year, the Beaches International Jazz Festival remains one of the few jazz festivals to promote Canadian talent. Chilelli's resolve to produce and promote fun family entertainment has brought him considerable recognition, including feature coverage in numerous national magazines, the recipient of the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal and the honour of being the Lion's Club's ‘Lion of the Year’.

FERNANDO VALLADARES

Over 30 years ago, Fernando Valladares' Hispanic Festival brought to life his dream of uniting all Spanish speaking groups in our community in a celebration of their cultural roots. His Hispanic Festival has become the largest Hispanic cultural event in Canada. In 1997, Valladares joined Chilelli to produce Corso Italia Festival and bring a celebration of community and ethnic diversity to St. Clair Avenue West. While producing festivals is a focus for Valladares, he is also committed to assisting his community. In 1981, Valladares co-founded 'Las Flores Charitable Foundation' which assists new Hispanic immigrants. He also serves as the executive director of 'Las Flores Non-Profit Housing Corporation'. He has worked on several campaigns directed at aiding natural disaster victims in Spanish-speaking countries. Valladares is an accomplished writer, producer and publisher and has worked on a variety of projects in radio, television and print. His devotion to community has garnered him numerous awards, including the Volunteer Award from the Province of Ontario, a Citation from the Spanish Government and Canada's Birthday Achievement Award among others.