Toronto

Toronto’s 33rd annual Pride parade lived up to its expectations as participants strutted through downtown streets in extravagant costumes — or nothing at all.

The huge crowds of spectators — as well as those taking part in the parade — were in high spirits as they took over Yonge St. Sunday for one of the world’s largest Pride events.

“We continue to grow, and our supporters continue to grow, so we’re accommodating for that growth by extending the parade to Yonge and Dundas for the first time,” Kevin Beaulieu, the executive director for Pride Toronto, said.

Premier Kathleen Wynne became the first Ontario premier to take part in the parade. Other politicians who took part in the event included federal Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau.

Both attended a church service held before the parade kicked off.

Neither Trudeau nor Wynne were willing to comment at the parade itself, but both tweeted they were honoured to march together and show their support for Toronto’s gay community.

It’s an honour shared by Irene Miller, Toronto president of PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays), and the official grand marshal of Toronto Pride 2013.

“It’s an honor to be the grand marshal this year, especially in a progressive city like Toronto,” Miller said.

Miller added she’s looking forward to meeting with other PFLAG members and organizers from around the world at World Pride, which will take place in Toronto next June.

World Pride will attract people from around the globe. Pride Toronto has been preparing for the event since the group won the bid to host it in 2009, Beaulieu said.

It will be the first time the event will be hosted in a North American city.

“World Pride is an opportunity to remember we are part of a global community that is still facing issues, and after seeing the support, I know Toronto will be a great host,” Beaulieu said.