TORONTO, Ont. – The entire city was invited to party with Mayor Rob Ford in the backyard of his family’s Etobicoke home, Friday evening, and the crowd was even larger than initially expected.

The 12th annual Ford Fest family barbecue took place at 15 Weston Wood Rd., near Royal York Road and Eglinton Avenue. Invitations were sent out via robocalls made by the Mayor and brother, Councillor Doug Ford.

“I want to thank everyone for this, for coming out tonight, and we’re going to have a great time,” Ford said as he arrived and greeted a large crowd of people outside on his mother’s driveway.

The event was the Mayor’s first public appearance since his conflict of interest trial, which wrapped up on Thursday. He admitted he was still shaken by the two days in court, over allegations that he did not declare a conflict of interest when he gave a speech and participated in a council vote last February. If he is found guilty, he could be removed from his position as Mayor.

“When you didn’t anything wrong and they grill you over the coals like that for helping out kids, you feel like that,” Ford said. “But you know what? It’s over and done with. I had a great lawyer, and I’m sure everything will work out well.”

As he took the stage to address the crowd a few hours later, the Mayor said he already has his eyes on 2014.

“The campaign for next election has started today. The next election’s two years away!” he shouted.

“We have to get out there, bang on the doors. As you saw, they’re coming after us.”

He also made light of what he had been through earlier this week.

“I know, I know. Some people think it’s a terrible thing to help kids,” he laughed.

There was also a surprise moment at the event, as Ford was awarded the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee medal.

Meanwhile, the event had food for everyone – both meat and vegetarian dishes, which were set up around an in-ground pool.

“I don’t know where we’re going to sit everyone, I’m a little worried,” the Mayor’s brother told 680News. “We’ll see how it goes and I think we ordered 78,000 hamburgers and hot dogs and veggie burgers, and I just hope we have enough.”

Councillor Ford said despite his worries, he was impressed with the turnout.

“Look at the make up of the crowd. That says everything, and that makes us feel like a million dollars inside,” he added.

“This is a snapshot of Toronto. This is every race and religion. It’s not about Conservative or Liberal or NDP – that’s a snapshot right here.”

Councillor Ford said it was humbling to see the support from the city despite the court proceedings which took place only a day earlier.

“This makes up for it,” he explained. “These are all real people. We have a real mayor, and this is what’s so gratifying about the job, and we just love these folks.”

As for entertainment, there was a live band featuring Councillor Gary Crawford on drums, which played while the guests mingled around the pool.

When asked if he would be taking part in the performance, Councillor Ford said he and his brother cannot carry a tune.

“That guy’s a football player, not a singer!” he chuckled.