In a nod to the annual Pride Parade—the main event held during Toronto Pride Week—event planner Daniel Chimento of Dragos Productions used the song “Don’t Rain on my Parade” as the jumping-off point for the decor and entertainment at the sixth annual Pride Toronto Gala & Awards, held at the Carlu on Wednesday.
Dancers with umbrellas performed a routine to the song, from the 1964 musical Funny Girl, in the Carlu Grand Foyer as a signal to mark the end of the cocktail reception and the start of the evening’s main program, which included a dinner catered by Eatertainment Special Events & Catering and a cabaret show of performances by Ashley MacIsaac, Saidah Baba Talibah, Miss Conception, Georgie Girl, Waataate Forbister, Laura Landauer (as Celine Dion), and Douglas Millar.
To dress the Carlu’s Concert Hall, Chimento hung dozens of spray-painted umbrellas at varying heights above the dining tables, each topped with floral centerpieces lit with LED lights. Black rubber boots filled with flowers topped the main bar.
Trey Anthony hosted the event, designed to honour individuals and groups who have created a positive impact on the lives or perception of Toronto's queer community. Award recipients included Robert Sirman in the arts and culture category, Neill Kernohan for human rights, Kyle Rae for lifetime achievement, and Pride House for sports.
