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| - I think the best time to go to a street festival is the opening day and as soon as it starts to avoid the crowds; BUT my partner in crime wasn't available till 4pm on the last (busiest) day of the festival. What is a crowd/long line phobic person to do?
STREET FESTIVAL SURVIVAL TIPS:
- Avoid the loooong lines, you'll waste a lot of time here. Look for short lines at the booths at the ends of the festival area: for Taste of Danforth it was Jones & Broadview. Also look behind the carnival stands and rides, for eateries blocked from view.
- Don't use the nasty Porta potties, instead buy something small at a store so you can use their washroom.
- Most people walk either on the right or left side of the road to be close to the booths on the sidewalk. Walk in the middle of the road for more elbow room.
- Bring small bills and change to make your transactions faster. Most things will be in the $1-$6 price range.
- When you need a quiet place to hang out, go into one of the eateries (they're still open for business) order a drink or appetizer and dine in. An excellent place to get away from the noise and crowds is on the rooftop of the Carrot Commons where there are tables, rooftop gardens and a relaxing view of the neighborhood.
My friend and I had a blast at Taste of Danforth. We tried pide, kofta, loukoumades, pierogies, fresh Malpeque oysters, a blooming onion, and juices imported from Greece. We listened to lively Greek music, watched a stunt show promoting the new upcoming Kingsman movie, danced in the street along with the vendors and other happy people, observed snake handlers from a far, took pictures with a 6'8" talk Spock impersonator and smashed plates to the cheers of OPA!
Free admission, close to multiple subway/bus stations, tons of affordable food, 3 stages for performances, carnival games for as low as 25 cents to play, and carnival rides: can't wait for next year's celebration.
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