Toronto Bursts With Pride
After all the anticipation, preparation and a solid week of partying, Sunday finally brought the Pride Parade to Toronto, with this year's theme "Unified."
Around 2pm the massive march began with honking horns, blaring music and all the excitement that's made the annual event one of the world's biggest celebrations of gay and lesbian culture. More than 4,000 people participated in the parade proper, while roughly one million others took in the colourful action.
The parade route wound west on Bloor Street from Church to Yonge, then south to Gerrard and east back to Church where it finished off.
Of course the party was hardly confined to that small area, as crowds spilled out onto neighbouring streets where they promised to revel well into Monday.
As has become custom during the parade's 28-year run, visitors from all across Canada and the world were welcomed to Toronto's streets.
"I'm missing my Canada Day celebration just for Pride," boasted Newfoundlander Julie Follet.
"I'm a little overwhelmed," said Kelowna, B.C. native Kevin Anderson. "It's small where I'm from and it's so huge."
And of course local veterans like Frank Barlow, who's been to 24 editions, also made the scene. "It's grown considerably," he admitted.
Leading the 2008 parade was Grand Marshall Enza Supermodel (pictured).
Even the weather cooperated, for the most part. The skies turned from overcast to clear in the early afternoon and the temperature stayed comfortable, which certainly helped to bolster the estimated $100 million in revenue the event brings to the city.
"The numbers are up apparently," said super-soaked Mayor David Miller. "People from all over North America come because they recognize if you want to be welcomed, you come to Toronto."
Earlier Sunday, a mass was held near Church and Wellesley in the Gay Village where the likes of federal NDP leader Jack Layton, Toronto Police Chief Bill Blair and Liberal MPP George Smitherman were on hand.
"A lot of leaders in our community have had to fight for the kind of equality that there's a risk you take for granted," Smitherman said. "It's always important to celebrate."
Saturday's Dyke March also went off without a hitch, and included a performance by Mel C (once known as Spice Girl member Sporty).
The event saw hundreds of walkers with rainbow flags, blaring music and dancing taking over Church in a rolling party. It's the 13th anniversary for that particular show of pride.
For those not taking part in the revelry, be aware that area streets will likely be slower than usual, or completely blocked from traffic. Church between Carlton and Wellesley will remain closed until Monday morning.
Pride History
For more sights and sounds from Pride 2008, click on the video link or check out the photo gallery below.
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