Pride is giving out money with one hand, and taking it back with the other.
Thanks to a surplus from last year, the costs of booths at the community fair has gone down, and there is money to snazz up floats.
“Most of that [money] will be in the form of parade bursaries, but there is some direct funds going to improve the event,” says treasurer Russell Mathew.
Community fair booths now cost $100, down $50.
And some of the new Fabulousness Awards – there are four – come with small cash prizes.
Pride made $75,577 last year; $15,000 is going into new initiatives.
The grants – totalling $5,000 (only a few hundred dollars were given out last year) – are for community groups to create “more fabulous” floats. Applications are available online at www.pridetoronto.com, or call (416) 92-PRIDE or pop by the storefront at 500 Church St. Decisions on the money will be made very soon.
Community non-profits must pay $100 to be in the parade in a vehicle – any kind of vehicle. It’s free to march.
Commercial marchers must pay a $250 admission fee; cars and vans cost $500, and a float is $1,000.