So, how was Word on the Street? (Unfortunately I have to skip it each year to put on a birthday party for my little girl. But I’ve got Dora the Explorer cake to last the week!)

Here are some comments from CBC staffers who worked the Toronto event, which saw an estimated 200,000 visitors:

The CBC missed an opportunity to participate in the 2005 edition of the annual book and literacy festival in Toronto due to an unexpected interruption. So this year, the CBC went big, with a stage and tent at the north end of Queen’s Park opposite the Faculty of Music at the University of Toronto. The day started with a staged Metro Morning featuring Andy Barrie and company, followed by the weather team from CBC-TV, Hot Type’s 10th anniversary, Writers and Company, and closed with a conversation and reading from Linden McIntyre. His new memoir is about growing up in Cape Breton.

Fans of the CBC pored through books and CDs from the CBC Shop as frequently as the rains came. The booth featured CBC Radio One, Newsworld and the team from the Digital Archives website. And while the fans enjoyed the face-to-face contact with staff, they had to shout over a diesel generator powering the stage only a few metres away. But their spirits were lifted when Hot Type released their 10th Anniversary designer cupcakes. Alas, by then the staff needed oxygen and dry clothes. Maybe they can be moved north of the generator next year?

Here’s another:

Word on the Street is a wonderful opportunity for CBC outreach. On my way down in the morning, I walked into my favourite local coffee shop (the Coffee Tree, they roast their own) for a cup to take with me on the subway, and my bright red “staff” shirt was a dead giveaway that I work here.

I had one inquiry about what would be at the CBC booth from someone planning to show up later. And while working at our Archives Website table, I was pleased to spread the word about the treasure trove that is contained here on Front Street.

But I was also pleased to pass along an inquiry from two Ideas fans, and a CD recording of memoirs from a delightful nonagenarian who wanted to speak to someone from Tapestry because, “I’m an interesting person.” These events always serve to reinforce my pride in what CBC does do right.

Any reports from Vancouver or Calgary? Let us know how it went.

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