WARMINGTON: Toronto won't soon forget this wild Par-Tay
Taylor Swift's Eras Tour energized the city and provided an economic boost of an estimated $300 million
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Taylor Swift and her legion of Swifties passed the test big time – and, in the process, Toronto proved it is Taylor-made to host such a massive event.
Whether you are into the superstar singer’s music or not, the whole city was able to get involved in the biggest entertainment event of recent times – well beyond the Rogers Centre.
It was great for those who had tickets – like Prime Minister Justin Trudeau who was spotted at Friday’s night’s concert – but you didn’t need one to enjoy the ride.
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WARMINGTON: Toronto won't soon forget this wild Par-Tay Back to video
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Everywhere around town was Tay-ronto. So many picked up the energy of the Eras Tour, which provided an economic boost of an estimated $300 million to the city.
Whether it was at the Tayl-Gate party in the Toronto Convention Centre, Ripley’s Aquarium where they had events for everybody including the displaying of the largest friendship bracelet, or the Par-Tay in Yonge-Dundas Square where the City of Toronto had special bracelet- and tote bag-making tents for fans of all ages.
Over at Little Canada, which features the most amazing miniature of Canada’s cities, they put on a contest for fans to win a night at the Chelsea Hotel and a night on the town, and that still goes on until Nov. 24.
In the meantime, they have dropped seven mini-guitars in each of display – Little Niagara, Little Golden Horseshoe, Petit Quebec, Little West Coast, Little East Coast, Little Ottawa and Little Toronto.
Each silver studded guitar is accompanied with another little Taylor Swift marking like her favourite number 13 or her red sunglasses.
“We just wanted to have a little bit of fun,” said Little Canada’s Camille Wodka. “We have people from all over the world here and they have been on the hunt looking for the mini-guitars.”
It’s a bit of a challenge. You have to have a keen eye. With photographer Ernest Doroszuk, we found three.
“Swifties can shake it off and immerse themselves in a Taylor-inspired adventure across all seven of Little Canada’s miniature destinations, searching for seven silver acoustic guitars, each representing a different era of Taylor Swift’s iconic journey,” said Wodka, adding the “If you know Taylor well” contest can be accessed through Little Canada’s website or by scanning a QR code at Little Canada and answering trivia questions about Taylor Swift.
At Ripley’s, Lizzie Sibbald tells us about the “exclusive display featuring a 91.4-foot-long custom bracelet with Taylor Swift’s lyrics, made by Swiftie superfan Noah, who spent over 30 hours making the bracelet to spell out every lyric to Taylor’s hit All Too Well (10-minute version).
The neat thing about this mini Taylor Swift residency is that so many businesses, big and small, could take part in the fun. Over in the lobby of the Sheraton Centre they had a disc jockey playing Swift’s music, which meant if visitors were in Toronto for other reasons, they had a chance to get caught up in the spirit of it all.
“It makes people happy,” said Wodka.
Of course, not everybody.
Many complained about Swift getting a Toronto Police motorcade escort fit for a Queen that slowed down roadways.
And former CBC journalist Ginella Massa made a stink in a TikTok rant that she was disappointed Swift didn’t get around town and make a local restaurant go viral or participate in a city that rolled out the red carpet for her.
While I respect Ginella a lot, and certainly defend her right to her opinion, I felt this was off the mark since Taylor Swift is in Toronto working – and working hard.
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WARMINGTON: This 'Swift' motorcade from airport was courtesy of Toronto Police and taxpayers -
Taylor Swift thrills Toronto crowd and makes sly dig at Joe Jonas at night No. 4 of Eras Tour at Rogers Centre -
Taylor Swift's first 3 shows in Toronto saw downtown spending increase by 57%: Moneris -
CONCERT REVIEW: Taylor Swift brings her marathon Eras show to Toronto for first of six shows
Doing a three-and-a-half hour concert for two successful three-night stands in one week, is no easy task. So, if she wants to stay quiet and rest and save her energy for her fans, that’s fine with me. Also, Swift always leaves behind a donation in every town she visits and we will find out what that was here soon enough.
One for thing is for sure, as Toronto gets ready to host the World Cup of Soccer, Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour leaves behind a legacy of just how to run a big show.
The star is welcome back in Toronto anytime. Hopefully if happens swiftly.
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