Rainbow Of Celebrants Greet Pride Parade
Posted June 23, 2008 12:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
A week of art, culture and celebration leading up to one of the biggest and most colourful parties in the city officially kicked off Monday with the raising of the rainbow flag at City Hall.
“It is such a symbol of a city that respects human rights where people live with mutual respect and understanding. Pride shows Torontonians who we all are. It is fabulous, but even more importantly it is fun,” Mayor David Miller said at the flag raising celebration at Nathan Phillips Square Monday.
Tens of thousands of visitors pour into the city every summer to take part in the annual Pride festivities. While the week is known for the amazing parties and events along Church Street and around the city, organizers are also highlighting the fight for gay and lesbian rights around the world. This year Pride Toronto launched its Global Human Rights For Queers Campaign.
A number of big names have come to the city to take part in the fun, including comedienne Sandra Bernhardt who played at Roy Thompson Hall Sunday night. Former Spice Girl Melanie C, Jully Black and The Hidden Cameras are among some of the acts to hit the stages on Church Street this weekend.
Streets in and around Church and Wellesley will be shut down for the weekend.
The Dyke March takes place Saturday and starts at 2pm at Church and Hayden Streets. It heads north to Bloor, westward to Yonge, down Yonge and across Wood where it wraps up at Church.
And the main event – the annual Pride parade – hits the streets Sunday starting at 2pm. The colourful procession starts at Bloor and Church, heads west to Yonge, down Yonge to Gerrard and back across to Church.
The massive event is a boon for local businesses who rake in tremendous profits over the week.
“This is the most important time. We’re part of the community year-round and everyone comes out at this time of year so it’s definitely our biggest draw,” Jared Ross, owner of Veda restaurant, said.
For a full list of Pride Toronto events, click here.
