ELORA – When Zain Rahman and his wife Patti Boutin moved from Mississauga to Mathieson Street in Elora 10 years ago, it didn’t take them long to realize they “had landed somewhere special,” Rahman said.
“Apart from it being one of the most beautiful neighbourhoods we’d ever lived in, we quickly realized it was also an extremely social and friendly one.”
Rahman said there seemed to be an unusual number of talented musicians and artists, and the community watches out for one another.
“It’s like an extended family,” Rahman said.
“I’ve never felt more at home than I do here, and I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else.”
A musician, Rahman said the street party was initially a reason for him to put on an outdoor concert for the neighbourhood, “but it quickly grew into something bigger and more meaningful.”
Lot18apalooza–in reference to the once much-disputed area of land, ‘Lot 18,’ on the Elora-Salem boundary–held its sixth annual festival on Aug. 10.
Each year, Mathieson Street is closed to vehicular traffic and attendance has continually increased.
Attendees bring their own lawn chairs and blankets and Rahman provides the sound system and tents.
Matt Teeter, a well-known local musician, set up the sound system and provided “crystal, clear sound” for the duration of the festival, Rahman said.
Teeter, his wife Ann, and the Dessautel and McLaren families co-hosted the event with Rahman.
‘D & M Jewels’ provided jewelry for festival goers on Mathieson Street in Elora on Aug. 10 as part of Lot18apalooza. Jewelry makers and friends from left: Harlee, Violet, Daisy, Addy and Evelyn. The team collected donations for charity. Photos by Lorie Black
Rahman believes the community genuinely values the annual gathering, which now includes all of Lot 18, and friends from the broader community.
Grant Farrell of local band The Shawn Connerys said the event was very well organized, and that it was a fantastic experience.
“The folks who live on Mathieson Street opened up their arms to the whole of our Elora community, creating that village vibe which Elora has been renowned for over the years.”
This year the festival featured seven musical acts, with The Shawn Connerys as the headline act.
Mathieson Street neighbours provided a pot-luck buffet and barbecue.
The event is free, but donations to cover the cost of equipment rental and street permits are appreciated.
Rahman said he is grateful every day for his community and the town, and for events like Lot18apolozza.
“We are very lucky and it’s important to me to recognize and celebrate the impact we all have on each other’s lives,” Rahman said.
“Real connection comes from feeling like you belong amongst those around you, your community.
“When small communities thrive, the vibration spreads outwards and we all win,” Rahman said.
Rahman said he hopes that the festival will inspire other neighbourhoods to hold events that bring everyone together.
“It’s all about community coming together and enjoying the simple things in life … food, music, and the joy of being together.”
