Waiting for the streetcar at Queen and Roncesvalles on a Labour Day weekend afternoon, I and about two dozen other people looked suddenly skyward as a jet blasted across the intersection on its way north, presumably heading back to Pearson. It came from the lake flying low in the sky, and I have a feeling that whoever was at those controls knew there’d be people lined up on the bridge over the Gardiner and on the lawn of St. Joseph’s Health Centre and was making sure they got a good show too. The ad hoc audience wasn’t disappointed, including those of us who just happened to be standing on the right corner at the right time.
When the CNE comes to town, some parts of it seem to permeate throughout the city. Get anywhere near the grounds and you’re liable to be amused by the sight of someone laden with giant stuffed animals won on the midway. Keep your eyes peeled, and you may notice the colourful splash of the mardi gras beads thrown during the daily parade brightening someone’s otherwise normal day, just like I saw on the wrist of a TTC driver.
Even long after the Ex is done it remains a shared experience by many Torontonians. You may find yourself comparing notes with friends who went on a different day than you and at first be astonished to learn they missed your favourite show. But then it’s just as likely you’ll find out you missed something equally fantastic.
And then the only thing to do is promise yourself that next year, you’re going twice.
