A downtown parade became part of the campaign trail as some Toronto mayoral candidates, and even the premier, came out to meet the public.

Thousands from Toronto’s Greek community lined the sidewalks on the Danforth Sunday afternoon to watch the annual Greek Independence Day parade.

Greek independence was declared March 25, 1821. Organizers say the annual parade commemorates that anniversary.

Mayoral candidates Olivia Chow, John Tory and Rob Ford all took part in the parade. Ford garnering a lot of the attention carrying a Greek and a Canadian flag while stopping to take photos.

Premier Kathleen Wynne was also in attendance, hosting a live radio show from the Danforth.

“I still think it is worth providing the opportunity for people to ask a direct question and hear from us first hand,” said Wynne.

CityNews will be hosting the first televised debate of the 2014 mayoral race next Wednesday, featuring Chow, Rob Ford, David Soknacki, Karen Stintz and John Tory.

It will be hosted by anchor Gord Martineau and run from 5-7 p.m. on City, CityNews.ca, the CityNews app and 680News.com.