Family Festival Celebrates 20th Anniversary in Old Town Monrovia

By Pam Fitzpatrick

Twenty years ago Monrovia’s Old Town was a sleepy strip of weary historic storefronts, many of them with long-term vacancies. Clearly Monrovia’s town center needed a spark – something that would attract shoppers as well as energize existing business. It was during a previous economic recession that the idea of a farmer’s market – street fair was proposed by a group of local business owners. Though the event sounded like a lot of work, it had possibilities, and the grass roots merchant association of that day decided to give it a try.

Early on it became clear that if the event was going to succeed, it would need a dedicated organizer, someone who was willing to devote a considerable amount of time and energy every week to the cause.
Dave Gayman, at that time the owner of Valley Hardware on Myrtle Avenue, said he would take on the challenge. Over the years the small street fair has grown from a farmer’s market-handcrafted art show to a real Festival, attracting thousands of visitors every Friday evening to Old Town.

Family Festival Productions Inc. (FFPI) is the Monrovia based company responsible for Old Town’s weekly street event. Still led by Dave Gayman, the company now presents street fairs and festivals, certified farmer’s markets, catered events, and special events of all types. Monrovia’s street fair now consists of a Certified Farmer’s Market (CFM), a foot court area, children’s play zone, commercial vendor’s booth, and live entertainment.

Not a bad idea, Monrovia. Congratulations and Happy 20th Anniversary to Family Festival Productions Inc., to Dave Gayman, personally, and to all the business owners and City staff who have worked to make this event the success it is today.

-Courtesy Photo

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