Thank God for early spring. If it were 2008 I would have spent most of the Toronto Beaches Easter Parade hidden inside my parka, only peaking my head out to snag some free candy.
I remember snow and lots of it. Sharon Ramsden, the Director of the Beaches Lions Club recalled snow piled as high as people’s waists.
This year I left the jacket, gloves and hat at home and brought out the sun block. It was 24 degrees and not a cloud in the sky.
I had a feeling the weather was going to prompt spectators to come out of the woodwork, so I planned ahead.
I arrived a half-hour before the Harlem Globe Trotters strolled down Queen Street and I grabbed a primo spot on the curb; a perfect spot to take pictures.
Sun block, check. Camera, check. I was ready to capture some Easter fun.
I had a great view as the Beaches Lions Club’s Noah’s Arc float and the Monkey Club‘s bunny float passed by.
Two hours later the Easter Bunny made his appearance and the parade was over. I packed up my gear and headed out.
This year, I didn’t wait for the TTC to get me home. The closures along Queen Street stopped the operation of the streetcar and buses from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Last time, the crowd was forced to make a forty-five minute trek, up hill, to Main Station. To avoid the mayhem, I decided to walk home, avoiding the hill.
The nice weather and strategic planning made this years parade one to remember.