The crowds came early and stayed all day as the Taste of the Danforth kicked off Saturday for another weekend of mid-summer fun.

The smells of Greek food mixed with the sights and sounds of the perennial summertime street party, which lets locals party on one of the city's busiest streets.

Despite the showing of Hellenic pride, Toronto's multicultural vibe also shone through.

While the crowds chowed down on faves like souvlaki and spanokopita, newer addition like Vietnamese spring rolls and Italian pastas were also popular.

Even two of Toronto's sports team – the Leafs and the city's lacrosse squad, the Rock – flexed their presence.

One of the fest's more popular draws on Saturday was a rebuilt Leaf's dressing room which was set up on the street, allowing passersby to stroll past famous jerseys and gear.

Oddly, a CTV.ca reporter noticed that one of the longest lineups was for a free toothpaste stand, complete with sinks and toothbrushes.

CTV Toronto's Natalie Johnson reported that for many local Greeks, the outdoor cooking and the smells manage to recreate a little piece of their native land in the Great White North.