Toronto celebrates 1st ever Ossfest

Toronto got another addition to its growing pantheon of street festivals on Saturday: Ossfest. 

Organized by the Ossington Avenue Business Improvement Area (BIA), the festival runs all day and features performances by many neighbourhood musicians, and the Ossington Criterium bike races, which are held on closed circuits, often in urban areas.

Nicky Potter, co-chair of the Ossington BIA, says Saturday's festival is unique because it focuses on local vendors. (CBC)

The races began with some determined youngsters between the ages of five and six on Saturday morning. Races are progressing in age and difficulty throughout the day.

Ossfest is unique, says BIA co-chair Nicky Potter, because in contrast to many other street festivals, there are no outside vendors allowed.

"It's really local," she says.

Organizers are hoping it will become a regular summer event.