It was a great feeling for sure, in part due to the events of the previous weekend. It felt like the police were glad for the break. But the numbers seemed down. On Sat. night at 11:30 the Wood St. beer garden and stage was 75% empty, partly I'm sure because Cyndi Lauper was in Queen's Park. When I got the chance to go to Queen's Park at 6pm on Sunday there were no more than 100 people. The performers on stage were doing their best to get them going and the food vendors were giving me that hopeful gaze you often feel in a food court after the lunch rush.
I know this venue is a test for World Pride but perhaps Allen Gardens would be better. It's closer and you won't have to try and cross a parade route to get to it. The now defunct Folsom Fair's were great at this location.
P.S. For the first time in 6 or 7 years I was able to walk right into the Black Eagle on Pride Day(at about midnight). No line-up outside and a 5 minute wait inside to get up to the patio. Perhaps the Americans stuck with their previously made plans for July 4th???