After a five year absence (because we moved from NY to Georgia) we finally went back to T.O. for a weekend visit to our favorite city.
They had an "Island Soul " thingy going on....I've never seen so many police patrolling the streets...I've always felt safe in Toronto..but this was unsettling..I would like to hear others thoughts on this happening..I take it that they have it every year?

That's Caribana, apparently the largest annual street festival in North America. I haven't been but it sounds like fun. National news said there would be a large police presence as I think there was a death last year.

I'm sure the festival itself was fun, but Yonge Street looked like a hooker convention and there were plenty of Johns in attendence

Yeah, that is just Caribana. Toronto's largest fesitvals are Caribana and Pride, they both are fairly eccentic but plently of fun for anyone who attends. Police presence is there as a precaution, no real threat to public safety.

Today's paper said that Caribana brought a million visitors to the city! I'd say that merits a little extra policing. It's a great festival but it can get rowdy and yes, there have been serious incidents in the past.

But what else did you do here, mrsd2fan? Did you have a good time?

I ALWAYS have a good time in Toronto..it's hands down my favorite city...hubby and I moved back to NY (Syracuse area) and as I said, we haven't been to Toronto in over 5 years and thought it would be fun to go to celebrate our 24th anniversary.
We like to go to sight see, listen to good music and of course, drink that great beer you can only get in Canada, Alexander Keiths.

Glad to hear you had a good time. Re Alexander Keiths Ale, I love their slogan:

"Those who like it, like it a lot."

There has not been a shooting at Caribana for two years now. They used to save up their revenge shootings for the big day, but now they just shoot each other every day of the year - much more informal. Sooner of later the City & Police had to pretend that they run the city instead of the gangs and thugs, so they lay on the troops. But it is just for one day and then everything goes back to the Thugs doing whatever they please.

I did the math on Caribana. The Star reported 1 million at the parade. That means the people stood half a metre apart and there were 70 rows of them extending back from each side of the road.

BAK