This past weekend, Buskerfest came to Toronto, much to the delight of face-painted, balloon-animal toting children and their funnel-cake-consuming parents.

The festival raised funds for Epilepsy Toronto, while showcasing artisans, performers (acrobats, clowns, magicians, fire eaters) and various deep fried, roasted or grilled foosdtuffs.

While getting a henna tattoo there Saturday afternoon, I decided to come back Sunday morning and take a few pictures.

The face painting available was not your run of the mill batman-symbol-on-cheek stuff; the face make-up was professional grade stage paint, and the fantastical results looked like something from cirque du soleil - hair styling was involved. Feathers. Glitter. Everything a kid could ask for and more.

Some of the younger children were shyly waiting for these balloon manipulators to make something for them - so impressed were they with the result that they frequently tried to give them back - they didn't think it was for them. I need not mention that these were beyond the snakes and poodles you get from birthday clowns, right?

The artisan booths were a mix of paintings, jewelry, clothing and tchotchkes, similar to things you find in the Harbourfront and St.Lawrence craft markets.

If you missed out and your craving for vendors and performers and strange food is increasing, check out the ex, which runs until September 5th.