Rolling through the 6ix, literally.
Photo essay by the Grey Cup
On November 1st, I set out on a mission to explore some of the most iconic landmarks and neighborhoods in Toronto to get acquainted with the city ahead of the 104th Grey Cup. I mean, I hadn’t been in Toronto since my 100th anniversary in 2012 – which turned out to be an extended visit since the hometown Argos won. But that’s a whole other story. This visit was going to be special. The first every Grey Cup game at BMO Field – back on the hallowed grounds of Exhibition Place where I practically grew up. To say I was excited would be like saying the 104th Grey Cup was a “good” game! Hello! Understatement of the year!
My first visit back to the city in four years was incredible. (Is it just me or are there a lot more condo buildings now?)
Meeting Mayor John Tory, Councilor Norm Kelly, Commissioner Jeffery Orridge and members of the Canadian armed forces, highlighted the adventure. But what always gets me the most is when someone pulls me out of my case and places me down in a public area and people are just drawn to me. “OMG. Is that the Grey Cup?” And its funny, they always ask if I am the real Grey Cup. Of course I am! Like, what do you think? I impersonate the Grey Cup in November and I am an Elvis impersonator in August?! Kidding, kidding. I love it.
On this visit, it was cool because I actually got to explore this great city. From Chinatown to Kensington Market, to Ripley’s Aquarium, the Hockey Hall of Fame, to Bay Street and down to the Harbour Front, and so many places in between.
But like any experience – its only as good as the people you get to hang with. And working with two talented photographers, Johany Jutras and Bora, was an incredible experience. I am 104 years old and if I may say so myself, they made me look stunning at every stop!
Bottom line is that we got some really cool photos. In case you missed it, here’s a recap of some of the most exciting moments captured:
1. Comin’ in hot! My arrival was pretty trendy…and don’t’ worry – I just took off my life jacket for this photo. I learned my lesson from when I was thrown in the canal in Ottawa years ago!
2. Stanley and I go waaaay back. It was good to see her again. To celebrate, we gave away a pair of Leafs tickets…I have a feeling Stanley will be hoisted in Toronto sometime soon….
3. What’s a Grey Cup in the 6ix tour with meeting up with the 6ix Dad! Norm and I hung out at Union Station and gave away tickets to the big game…
4. Phillip Jackson, a student at George Brown was pretty excited to score Grey Cup tickets, and what a score it turned out to be! He witnessed arguably the best Grey Cup in my history!
5. The colours of Kensington looked good on me, didn’t they?
6. Saluting members of the Canadian Armed Forces. We can’t thank you enough for everything you do and I am proud to have Armed Forces teams and names inscribed on me.
7. The mayor, I met the mayor! He’s a cool dude. I have actually known him for a while. Since he was the Commissioner and all.
8. Supporting our neighbours in the 6ix…I think Raptor is almost as old as me now! I kid, I kid….one of the best mascots in sports.
9. This lucky fan left Real Sports with a pair of Raptors tickets AND Grey Cup tickets. She was pumped!
10. Had a great time on Church Street exploring the Village with my friends from You Can Play Project..what a great and important cause.
11. They say “money ain’t a thang” but I certainly enjoyed the money views
12. Me and the sea, the Gala at Ripley’s was swanky. I asked if I could go in the tank, but apparently, the salt water could make me rust. Pfft. Clearly, they don’t know how tough I am!
13. The commissioner and friends officially welcomed me to the big city. How cool!
14. Canadian pride, a beautiful thing. Enough said.
Now, I must give a shout out to the two super talented photographers that captured my beauty in this beautiful city.
Johany, a CFL guru, it was exciting to adventure with me.
“I loved it. I thought Grey Cup in the 6ix was a brilliant concept and also a very creative and challenging project.”- Johany Jutras
Working with Bora was new for me but from the sounds if it, he really enjoyed himself.
“It was great to see people’s eyes light up when they saw us capturing the Grey cup in busy urban areas.”- Bora
It wasn’t easy capturing me at my best…
“The biggest challenge was a technical one relative to making sure that the Grey Cup was properly lit, and ensuring that reflections of people (including myself) were not visible in the final product.”- Bora
It was a thrilling finish and I want to personally send my congratulations to the Ottawa Redblacks. I can’t wait to explore your city next year!
Cheers,
Grey Cup