Carnival events offer unique opportunity to embrace Hamilton Road

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The laundromat offers takeout Jamaican jerk chicken, fried chicken and barbecue are sold in the parking lot, jewelry stands line the adjacent alley, and the doughnut shop next door is undergoing renovations.

Welcome to Hamilton Road.

In an age when retail and food chains dominate London’s shopping centres, entrepreneurship, diversity and alternative flavours can still be found in this East End neighbourhood.

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The Hamilton Road Business Improvement District celebrated the unique event with a carnival on Sunday, with music, food and business events taking place on the sidewalks and in parking lots for community events.

“It helps us showcase what we do and bring people in here who might not have been here,” said Tanya Lovell, a staff member at Eastside Bar & Grill. “There are great businesses here, mom-and-pop shops, and we want more people to know about that and know that we care about that.”

The Hamilton Road Business Area (BIA) covers the area from Adelaide Street to Highbury Avenue and includes more than 30 restaurants and more than 80 other commercial and service organizations.

Mardi Gras is a day-long community celebration.

The large parking lot behind the East End was converted into a community car wash, where vendors sell their wares and burgers are served on the grill. At King of Pigs, pulled chicken and pulled pork sandwiches were sold outside the restaurant, which was packed with Father’s Day diners.

“It’s about attracting more people to the area and bringing the community together,” said owner Rui Vieira. “We’re celebrating the Hamilton Corridor.”

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Mundy’s Take Out also sells Jamaican food at the counter at the Community Laundromat Cafe, while Kyle’s Fried Chicken and Barbecue set up shop in the parking lot behind the building during the Sunday event.

“It’s important to celebrate the prosperity of businesses, to unite the community and work together,” said Mike Kowalyk, owner of the Neighborhood Laundromat Cafe, who plans to open Balboni’s Donuts next door later this summer.

He added: “It’s about highlighting the character of the community.”

ndebono@postmedia.com

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