. "5"^^ . . "2010-11-20T00:00:00"^^ . "2"^^ . "5"^^ . "I think I read that Toronto Pride was the third largest in the world (after NYC and Sydney, Australia) and it's certainly the largest pride celebration in Canada. The last weekend in June, Church Street is blocked off and thousands of homosexuals descend on the city for a weekend of debauchery, acceptance and pride. \n\nThe official Toronto pride has many activities. Saturday is the Dyke March and Sunday is the Pride Parade which is normally the climax of the event. \n\nChurch street through the gay neighborhood is blocked off and there are merchants, bars, restaurants, bath houses and stores open to serve the gay community. Stages are set up all over the area for different performances, from Drag Queens to big name bands. \n\nThe gay pride parade normally takes place mid-day and the march is down Yonge Street, the center of the city and one block away from Church Street. This is one of the best, most flamboyant, most cheerful, most impressive parades I've been to. When watching the parade one is astounded by the blocks and blocks full of gay people and their supporters. Of course, Canada is more welcome than the US since they allow gay marriage. At the parade it's nice to even see families and large numbers of straight people too. It's a great experience.\n\nToronto is a large city with a huge gay population. It's also the destination for many people nearby throughout Ontario. Even large contingents from Detroit and New York go to the Pride celebration since it's so well done and very close."^^ . "5"^^ . .