Brampton has just been recently selected to be among the few lucky cities to host events that will coincide with the 2011 International Indian Film Academy (or IIFA) Awards. The prestigious awards show is widely regarded as Bollywood’s equivalent to Hollywood’s Oscar Awards, and the Greater Toronto Area could not be more proud to host such a huge event.

Brampton was among those invited to co-sponsor and co-host the annual show, and even now, organizers from the city are already buzzing about the awards night.

From June 16 to 19 2011, the IIFA Awards will be making its presence felt in the province, with people from all over the world gathering to witness the event.

The announcement that Ontario had won the bid was made by the International Indian Film Academy in Mumbai a few days ago on December 9. The Academy cited the province’s appreciation for films coming not just from the West, but also from different cultures around the world.

Each year, the awards show takes place in a different international city, with places like Johannesburg, Bangkok, Amsterdam, and Dubai having played host to the event in the past.

2011 looks to be a great time for you to come on up and visit us here in Brampton. Aside from the next year’s IIFA, the city boasts of plenty of cultural shows that take place on a regular basis, assuring tourists a rich and memorable experience.

Thinking of ditching your so-called “holiday diet”? Then head down to Marriott Brampton for some good old Christmas day treats!

The folks from Brampton know what the words “good eats” mean, and Marriot Brampton certainly does not disappoint. Check out their Christmas Day Buffet, and have a taste of the wide variety of choices their menu has to offer.

If you want to start light, sample their fresh breads and assorted salads like Sea food Noodle Salad, Crisp Greek Salad topped with fresh olives and feta cheese, and their popular Creamy Potato Salad.

If you feel like taking a walk on the wild side, check out their unique dishes like Salmon Medallions mixed with a puree made of roasted peppers, Cajun style Red Skin Potatoes roasted in saffron, Mushroom Risotto, and Ham glazed with honey coupled with apricots and sweet potato chutney.

Of course, that’s just a sneak peek into the goodies and treats Marriott Brampton has to offer, there’s lots more food to choose from we assure you.

The buffet is a one time event that happens on the Big Day from 3 in the afternoon to 6 in the evening only, so mark your calendars and make sure you and your foodie friends leave some space in your filled tummies for some more good food!

The city of Brampton comes alive this holiday season, as its plays host to the concert, “On That Night in Bethlehem”.

“On That Night in Bethlehem” will take place in the St. Marguerite d’Youville Parish on the 11^th of December, at 8 in the evening.

This event is made possible with the help of the people form St. Marguerite d’Youville Parish as well as the musical’s participants.

An exceptional collection of vocal talents as well as some of the best conductors and musical directors in Toronto have come together to create this event to remember. Furthermore, the concert would also not have been possible without help from the artists of Newman Centre as well the participation of renowned Irish traditional instrumentalists.

Sit back and enjoy as the concert brings back the tale of that very special night in Bethlehem over two thousand years ago. Marvel at the rich collection and mastery of Holy Christmas and Celtic Music.

You can score your tickets in advance by calling 647.241.3623 or 905.792.7497. Tickets will also be sold at the event itself, but be warned as seats are limited. Tickets are priced at only $20.

So what’re you waiting for? Don’t miss out on this unforgettable night of music and sound. Make this holiday season memorable for you, your friends, and family.

The first thing that probably comes to people’s minds when hearing the phrase “Cram-a-Cruiser”, is an odd contest of folks trying to stuff as many inside a vehicle as possible

And while such a competition may indeed exist out there, Cram-a-Cruiser is a much more serious event, with a cause even more serious behind it.

Organized by the 11th Division Police Community Liaison Committee, and the Prisoner Escort Unit and Auxiliary Unit, ‘Cram-a-Cruiser” is a local campaign to raise funds and solicit food donations from the community.

The fundraiser will have vehicles provided by the Peel Regional Police and the Prisoner Escort Unit which are to be “crammed” with food and virtually all kinds of non-perishable items, like canned goods, clothing, etc.

Volunteers and aides will be present during the event to help guide customers as to which items can be given to the local food banks. These donations are then crammed into a cruiser or Prisoner Escort vehicle and distributed to food banks in the area.

The fundraiser aims to raise 10,000 pounds worth of food and other non-perishable items, and of course, cash domations.

The lucky food banks that get to receive the donations from the Cram-a-Cruiser event are the Eden Community Food Bank and the Deacon’s Cupboard.

So, here’s your chance to join in on a fun activity for a cause! Head to www.peelpolice.ca and look up Cram-a-Cruiser.