On Saturday, May 10, 2025, the Lviv Pavilion in Oshawa was the setting for a night of grace, pride, and community spirit at the annual Queen’s Court Ball. Hosted by the Oshawa Folk Arts Council, this formal gala marked the official launch of Fiesta Week 2025. It brought together cultural leaders, proud families, and civic dignitaries for a meaningful celebration of heritage and youth leadership.
Meet the Queen’s Court
This year’s competition was a powerful celebration of cultural pride and youth leadership. Each contestant brought grace, authenticity, and enthusiasm to the stage—but three stood out in a very special way:
Miss Fiesta 2025 – Victoria Kay, proudly representing the Italian Pavilion, was also chosen as Miss Congeniality by her fellow contestants.
1st Runner-Up – Paige Hicks, representing the Lviv Pavilion
2nd Runner-Up – Adiia Mark, representing Club Carib
The Shining Stars: Mini Miss Participants
A special mention goes to this year’s Mini Miss participants – young cultural ambassadors who lit up the room with their energy and charm. While not part of the competition, they danced their hearts out on the ballroom floor all evening and reminded us all of the future of multicultural celebration in our community.
Tradition on Display
While contestants wore formal attire for the evening, their escorts proudly wore traditional cultural dress, bringing color and heritage to the stage. These garments represented the communities behind each pavilion and added a meaningful visual element to the ceremony.
Dignitaries in Attendance
The Queen’s Court Ball was honored by the presence of several distinguished guests, whose support underscored the importance of cultural celebration and community engagement in Oshawa. In attendance were:
Rhonda Kirkland, MP for Oshawa
Jamil Jivani, MP for Bowmanville–Oshawa North
Jennifer French, MPP for Oshawa
Lorne Coe, MPP for Whitby
Rick Kerr, Ward 4 Regional & City Councillor, City of Oshawa
Tito-Dante Marimpietri, Ward 2 Regional & City Councillor and Oshawa Folk Arts Council Board Member, who represented Mayor Dan Carter
During the evening’s program, two official scrolls were presented to the Oshawa Folk Arts Council:
A scroll from Mayor Dan Carter and the City of Oshawa, delivered by Councillor Tito-Dante Marimpietri, recognizing the Council’s ongoing commitment to multiculturalism and civic enrichment.
A scroll from MP Jamil Jivani, honoring the Council’s decades of leadership in celebrating cultural heritage across the region.
These gestures reflected the strong partnership between civic institutions and the cultural organizations that help define the spirit of Fiesta Week.
A Dance to Remember
After the formal crowning ceremony, the ballroom transformed into a lively dance floor. Music from a variety of cultures kept the energy high all night long, with families, contestants, Mini Miss participants, and dignitaries all joining in. The dance floor was packed from the first song to the final note—a fitting tribute to the joy of multicultural celebration.
More Highlights from the Evening
Thank You to Our Sponsors
The Oshawa Folk Arts Council extends heartfelt thanks to the generous sponsors who made the 2025 Queen’s Court Ball possible. Your support ensures that cultural heritage and youth leadership continue to be celebrated in our community.
We are deeply grateful for the contributions of the following sponsors:
Rocpal
Yola Deli
Mane Frame Studio
Paradeyes Optical
Witzke’s Greenhouse
Xpressions Hair Salon
Maria Antonio’s Hair Design
Lisa’s Hair Den
Erica Rizzuto
Simcoe Furrier’s Ltd.
Alba Railing
Club Carib
Oshawa Italian Recreation Club
Poznan Pavilion
Krakow Pavilion
Lviv Pavilion
French Pavilion
Northern Portugal Pavilion
Oshawa Portuguese Pavilion
Odesa Pavilion
Club Loreley
Thank you for your continued support of multiculturalism, youth leadership, and the arts in our community. Your partnership makes events like this possible!
Looking Ahead to Fiesta Week
The Queen’s Court Ball was only the beginning of the celebration! Fiesta Week 2025 is around the corner with two exciting signature events:
The Concert & Street Festival – Join us downtown for a day filled with live music, cultural performances, food vendors, and family fun. It’s a perfect way to experience Oshawa’s diversity out in the open air!
Click Here for Details!Pavilion Week – Tour pavilions across the city as each cultural group opens its doors to share food, music, dance, and tradition. From pierogi to jerk chicken, from polka to Tarantella – there’s something for everyone.
Click Here for Details
Come out and celebrate the rich cultural tapestry of our community. Fiesta Week is where Oshawa comes together!