Well call me old fashioned, call me small town...but there really is NOTHING like a small town festival that glorifies the almighty potato! When my hubby and I were planning to move out of Toronto last year, we were really unsure of where to move. Our requirements were simple if not retarded, but they were our criteria none the less. We needed 2 things only, to be within walking distance to Tim Hortons and the LCBO..sad, but I digress...One sunny day we happened into this small town called Alliston, it had TWO Timmy’s, a LCBO AND a Beer Store...but that isn't what snagged us in. While driving into town we noticed all these flags and signs declaring the great annual Alliston Potato Festival...that sealed the deal right there.
My husband is from PEI, and we all know about the great red soil, and the wonderful potatoes, well little did I know that when you are born and bred on these potatoes, you become strangely attached to these small brown vegetables. I knew he 'liked' potatoes, as he eats them at every meal, but little did I know that potatoes meant something more to him...they were kinda like family to him. So being away from PEI and his family, he saw Alliston as his home away from home.
So we picked up and moved, and never looked back. Ok so I am getting off track here a little bit, back to the story…
This past weekend was the weekend to end all weekends here is A-town (as we affectionately call it). The annual potato fest is 4 days of non stop events, and when I say they put a lot of work into this festival, I am not exaggerating! The parade is the largest small town parade in Ontario (about 2 hours in length), the carnies come to town, the buskers invade the blocked off downtown streets, the beer gardens is insanely busy, and to top it off there is a video dance party that holds about 2000 people at the local arena. So needless to say, we invited some big city friends to the event and prepared them for mayhem!
Friday night the parade kicks off the festivities which we of course went to see...and I think it was perhaps the best part of the weekend. Just about anyone can put in a float, and they do not disappoint. There were old cars, HUGE potato cultivating machinery, donkeys dressed in pants, and not to be missed were the 25 shriners chapters that each has their own place in the parade. It was quite a spectacle to be seen. We took in the 'fireguy' afterwards and did a little meandering about the town...but the best was that it all takes place about 2 blocks from my house! We basically could sit in our yard and have a few bevvies whilst watching large crowds of people mill about. I think everyone and their dog went by our house including the mayor - which we heckled just a little bit with the neighbors - all in good fun :)
Saturday, our friends arrived, so we let the good times roll, perhaps too good a time for some, but good times just the same. We took in the potato pancake breakie (wonderful), we shopped, we ate, we picked our favorite old cars from a slew on display, we rode the carrousel, and partied it up at the dance floor collecting ROCK 95 swag all night (beer cozies, coolers and a friend even won an MP3 player)!
I think the main point I am trying to get across in this story is this: For some, living in the city sometimes gives you an attitude like you are perhaps just a little bit cooler then folks who live in smaller towns. Perhaps you are just a little bit smarter, more cultured, and that life is just so much better in a place where there is a Starbucks at every corner, and designer sunglasses are the must haves for the summer. I think sometimes I used to think like that when I lived in the city. I was quite mesmerized by the life I was living and I was quite sad to leave. BUT..yes there is a but, I feel very blessed to be able to see the other side of the picture now that I have left. I can always drive into Toronto to get some cool clothes, or see my pals, but there is nothing like living in a town where each and every person says good morning to you as you walk the dog down the street, or where you can go to a movie for under 10.00 (flick and food included), and where you can celebrate for 4 days straight in the company of friends and neighbors all for the sake of the great potato. So if you ever find yourself in this neck of the woods, for gods sake sit down, relax, take in the scenery, the people and order a big plate of mashed potatoes!
{Our fav pic of the weekend was this truck and it's own personal air conditioner}
