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Shopping in Old Town Monrovia, a More Genteel Experience
Arcadia Weekly Nov 26, 2009
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If the very idea of facing the madness at the mall or of waking after a turkey dinner in time for the early bird specials at various stores gives you hives, think about ignoring it all. Instead, think about returning to civility and regaining your sanity by shopping in the more genteel ambiance of Myrtle Avenue and Old Town Monrovia, especially this Saturday, November 28.
The Old Town Merchants are celebrating the beginning of the Holiday season with a day and evening full of the spirit of the season, community togetherness and family fun. The street is already dressed for the celebration with the lights already aglow, and the shopkeepers are ready to help you find the perfect holiday gifts. But there is a great deal more in Old Town this Saturday. Stroll along Myrtle Avenue and you can enjoy not only a day of shopping, but also free events scheduled throughout the day.
The first 231 patrons coming to the Krikorian Premier Theatres will be admitted FREE to the screening of the modern Holiday classic “Elf” starring Will Farrell. The theatre is located at 410 S. Myrtle and the movie is set to begin at 10:00 a.m.
Throughout the day there will be carolers strolling along the avenue as well as appearances by Santa Claus himself all around Old Town. There will also be a Mystery Shopper who will be playing Santa by giving away gifts and prizes to shoppers in the Old Town.
Many of the shops will be holding special events this Saturday and have decorated especially for the season. Belissima Salon, 501 S. Myrtle is holding a holiday reception from 2 to 5 p.m. Fashion Cuts. 198 S. Myrtle, is offering free conditioning with regular appointments this Saturday and is holding a raffle for its patrons. Shops for fashions like Allure at 417 S. Myrtle and Jenni B, 106 E. Lime are holding open houses Saturday.
Sigel Fine Arts will host a reception for its current exhibition, Peace and Light. The gallery is located at 110 West Lime opposite Library Park. And of course, Twinkle, Twinkle Little Store, the toy store at 519 S. Myrtle, will hold a reception for customers starting at 5 p.m.
One store will the real holiday spirit is the Dollmakers Kattywampus. Located at 412 S. Myrtle, there will be live music served up throughout the day by the Kattywampus Band and rumor has it that Santa will be making his appearance there as early as Friday at 10 a.m.
Paint-N-Play Art Studio and Gallery, 418 S. Myrtle is the other store with the greatest holiday spirit. It will have a series of activities starting at 6 p.m. on Saturday with the action really picking up around 7 according to owner Lisa Barrios. They will be a reception at that time to honor the work of many prominent local artists. Photographers Stephen Coleman, Doug Gordon, and Frank Zgonc will be showcasing their work as well as the Weekly’s own Terry Miller. Also being honored at that time will be pop artist Jymmy “Tyger” Gonzales who will be showing his current work and will be present at the reception to meet and greet those in attendance. Topping all this off will be live music with a “Rat Pack” theme from Tony Millot. Refreshments and holiday goodies will be served.
There will be also be a Silent Art Auction benefiting Monrovia Association of Fine Arts (MAFA) held during the reception at Paint-N-Play. The MAFA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and all-volunteer organization with goals to enhance the lives of those within the community through interaction with the arts and to increase the opportunities of the children through art education. Funds raised from the silent auction will go directly to assist schools, scout troops, PTAs and other non-profits providing art programs for children all over the San Gabriel Valley. Visit their web site, www.monroviafinearts.org, for more information.
