WORD ON THE STREET. SMALLER THAN THE PRE-COVID DAYS

 Luck or Divine Intervention? Toronto's Word on the Street Festival Is Once Again Blessed with Perfect Weather

LOVES BOOKS BUT HATES EVERYTHING ELSE! - sweir

Toronto's annual Word on the Street outdoor book festival is known for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse literary offerings. This year, the festival was blessed with outstandingly perfect weather, making it a visitor-friendly event that attracted thousands of people downtown. As visitors browsed through books, indulged in delicious food truck offerings, networked with fellow book lovers, and even campaigned for votes, it was clear that the weather played a significant role in enhancing the overall experience.

Among the attendees was Mitzie Hunter, a former Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) and now a mayoral candidate. When asked why she attended the festival, MitziE Hunter expressed her love for books and reading.

“I like books, I love to read!” she told Stephen Weir (the Caribbean Camera). 

I like books! Mitzie Hunter at Word on the Street sweir

Although she didn't have much opportunity to explore the books herself due to the overwhelming support of well-wishers, her presence highlighted the significance of the event.

Notably, this year's festival experienced a diminished turnout of large publishing houses, such as Penguin, compared to pre-Covid times. However, this allowed smaller publishing companies to shine by featuring their new titles and introducing their authors to the large crowd. Some authors even set up their own booths on the street to sell their books, seizing the opportunity to connect with readers directly.

Authors' talk Word on the Street - sweir

Weir caught up with two authors showcasing their work at the festival. Ekiuwa Aire, born and raised in Benin City, Nigeria, discovered her passion for African history after relocating to Canada. As a mother, she began writing children's books with the aim of sharing positive stories about African history. Her debut title, "Idia of the Benin Kingdom," has garnered acclaim, receiving recognition from the Children's Africana Book Awards, Kidsshelf Book Awards, and Eric Hoffer Book Award.

Russell Brooks, a Montreal-based author of thrillers and science fiction novels, brought his collection of books to Word on the Street. Speaking with the Caribbean Camera, he praised Toronto's multiculturalism, stating that “authors do not choose their audiences—rather, it is the audience that chooses the author.”

The positive vibes permeated throughout Queen's Park, where the festival was held. Even a topless protestor waving a Canadian flag and loudly expressing dissatisfaction with Justin Trudeau couldn't dampen the atmosphere (pictured above). When approached by Weir, he flashed a smile, striking a pose for the camera before resuming their vocal complaints.

The 34th Annual Word on the Street Festival, which took place on May 27th and 28th, once again brought the community together in celebration of literature and storytelling. 

Held annually since 1990, this free street festival in downtown Toronto showcases Canadian and Indigenous authors, features an outdoor marketplace for books and magazines, and offers dedicated children's programming. This year, the festival embraced the theme of genres, introducing three new genre-focused stages: Twist Endings (Mystery & Thriller), Love & Letters (Romance), and Big Ideas (Non-Fiction/Lifestyle).

With visitors, connecting with authors, and discovering new literary gems, this annual celebration of stories proved once again to be a much loved  event in the city's cultural calendar.