SummerLust the First Edition

- An evening of shopping, dining and exploring Leslieville -

Toronto, June 18, 2012 – Named Toronto's hippest place to dine, drink, shop and live by The New York Times, Leslieville (EatShopLeslieville.wordpress.com) is hosting its first edition of Leslieville Summerlust event on Thursday, June 21 from 6.p.m – 10 p.m. Forty-five local businesses will stay open late along Queen Street East (from Jimmie Simpson Park - near Logan Avenue to just after Greenwood Avenue) to salute the first night of summer with a carnival-style street party. Visitors can expect after-hours indie boutique shopping, live music and entertainment by over 40+ buskers, a gnome-hunt for fab prizes, gourmet eats as well as special Summerlust activities, discounts and giveaways for one night only. Come explore the unique character of this vibrant strip of Queen Street East while supporting Leslieville retailers and eateries – shop and eat local.



Building on the success of Leslieville’s popular winter festival, Holiday Wanderlust, Summerlust is a customer appreciation event promoting all things local while exploring this artistic East-End community. The night, organized by the Businesses of Leslieville (BOL), serves to celebrate Leslieville's appealing fusion of laidback charm and creative urban style. Leslieville is extending its regular hours to spotlight the best of the 'hood, so Summerlust guests can discover for themselves why the area is quickly evolving into Toronto's Brooklyn – a quirky-cool yet inviting stretch of the East-End worth exploring.



Leslieville Pumps will be serving up sliders and sampling mini-dishes of their top sellers outdoors
Nathalie-Roze & Co will be hosting two concerts on their garden patio as well as a beauty bar: free make-up touch ups and hair braiding
Cry If I Want To will be creating a mini-carnival with cotton candy, caramel corn, specialty lemonade and carnival games such as the Bean Bag Toss
Doll Factory by Damzels will debut their Damzels summer collection and serve cocktails
The Arts Market will have artists and crafters creating right on Queen Street (painting and jewellery demos) as well as a concert
L’il Bean & Green will be hosting a parent/toddler craft station, kid-friendly music show and a special dinner menu



“We’re excited to be throwing a street party to celebrate our neighbourhood,” says Daniel Cohen, Director of the Businesses of Leslieville. “We’re opening our doors for the rest of Toronto to come experience the charms of Leslieville.



Leslieville’s streets will be turned into a music festival with buskers and street performers. Some of the acts include: a fire thrower, freaky hula hoops, a living statue, a silver lady, an illusionist and a children’s magic show as well as a diverse mix of musical acts peppered throughout the area.



About Leslieville:

Leslieville is one of Toronto's most dynamic emerging neighbourhoods, boasting a tempting mix of one of a kind independently owned boutiques, art galleries and restaurants. It has successfully resisted the incursion of retail chains and even blocked the opening of a Wal-Mart (a first in Canada). Known as a foodie zone that's home to several innovative restaurants, cozy brunch venues, artisanal coffee & tea shops, two farmer's markets, plus organic delis and swish bakeshops, Leslieville appeals to Toronto's most curious palates. Leslieville is also a destination for interior designers, retro furniture fans and home decor junkies, while those keen on local designer labels, eco-wearables and curated vintage are drawn to this gem of the East for its unusual fashion boutiques. Most of the city's television and film studios are also located in Leslieville - as are the wardrobe houses and editing facilities. The historic streets, storefronts and lovely Victorian houses of Leslieville are often used as backdrops in various productions (eg. Bomb Girls and Flashpoint).



About the The Businesses of Leslieville (BOL):

The BOL is a volunteer-run merchant group, which aims to raise the profile of Leslieville via various community initiatives including the Summerlust and Holiday Wanderlust events. The 45+ members of the BOL are in the process of applying for BIA/Business Improvement Area status from the City of Toronto.