Summer in the West End means two exciting events come to my doorstep: the four nights of the”Celebration of Light” fireworks shows, and topping the month off, the Pride Parade. This year was a special one for me, as for the first time since I moved up here, my Mom was in town during both these events and able to see in person what I had been raving about. This year’s parade was particularly special – not only was there a record crowd, but the overall vibe just seemed to be set to extra-joyous. There was a time I’d have told you I was getting a little jaded about the Pride Parade, but this year – maybe because of my special guest – it seemed even more fun than ever.  Of course, the usual elements were all in place, without which it just isn’t a Pride Parade. I mentally checked them off in order as the procession went by:

• Dykes on Bikes
• The Knights of Malta (who are these folks exactly and why do they always lead the parade? Must google…)
• Politicians galore: Jack Layton and Carole James, Adriane Carr, Tim Stephenson, Gregor Robertson (courting the rollerblader vote!), Mayor Sam Sullivan, and Hedy Fry
• Disco classics (“I Willl Survive”, “Knock on Wood” – but no “YMCA” this year… shocking!)
• Cross-dressing extraordinaire (this year: bathing beauties and stewardesses)
• Dancing boys (and girls) on nightclub floats
• Great signs
• Topless women
• Bottomless men

Check out my photos and enjoy the sights of Pride!