Old Town Report Oct. 27

Old Town Monrovia. -Courtesy Photo

By Pam Fitzpatrick

 I’m convinced that one huge reason Old Town Monrovia is such a great place to visit is the atmosphere of camaraderie between our merchants. We literally have each other’s backs. Whether it’s taking delivery of a package (or a shipment), loaning each other chairs or tables, or simply referring customers to each other: this is the friendliest place on earth. You’ll never catch us making a negative FB post about a fellow shop owner, or leaving a bogus sour report on Yelp. Can’t find it in my store? I’ll send you to Puff Monkey or Charlie’s House or Six 2 Six. We don’t always agree, but when we disagree, we are not disagreeable.

That’s why I love doing business here. Another thing we do every year is make it financially possible to carry on the holiday traditions by raising funds to pay for carolers during December. Each business chips in a small amount and it all adds up to three and a half weeks of music on the streets of Old Town. This year we will feature the Champagne Singers, the Joe Ferrante Caroling Group, the Dickens Carolers and, of course, The Lance and Gary Show. Once again this year, when you see that familiar “Holiday Sponsor” sign in a shop or restaurant window, you’ll know that business supported the holiday fun in Old Town, so drop in and say “Thank You!”

This Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 29 and Oct. 30, another one of Old Town’s partners will be holding a celebration in Library Park. On Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.,

MAFA will host its 53rd Annual “Celebrate the Arts & Chalkfest” featuring some great artists, a Beer Garden, music, kid’s chalk activities and a Library Collectible Book Sale. Now, even if you see a few food trucks up at the park, remember, the good food is at Old Town restaurants!

Halloween is Monday, and this year’s “Candy Stations” will be at the South West corner of Myrtle and Lime (by Monrovia Travel), the North East corner of Myrtle and Lemon (by the Charlie’s House), the North East corner of Myrtle and Colorado (by the Monrovian), and the South West corner of Myrtle and Colorado (by T. Phillips). In addition, even though it’s Monday, there will be plenty of individual stores and restaurants giving out treats (and don’t neglect the side streets and the north end of town!) Everything – the Halloween Bash at the Park as well as the Old Town Trick or Treating starts at 3 p.m. and ends at 6 p.m. The streets will be closed during that time for safety’s sake, but re-open soon after 6 p.m.

Most of you know that last Saturday (Oct. 22) was Make a Difference Day, so lots of volunteers gathered up in Library Park, received their marching orders, and went out into the community to clean up, plant and otherwise help their neighbors. I want to especially give a shout out to our own Council Member Becky Shevlin who spent hours cleaning up the breezeway between Merengue and Paradis Ice Cream. That walkway is a major thoroughfare between the parking lots and Myrtle Avenue, and it would be hard to politely describe the “stuff” that gets deposited there. Beyond what the people leave, the pigeons make their deposits along that route, and Becky – what can I say? You’re a trouper!

One last mention for one last Old Town partner: MOHPG will release its first publication in 20 years up at the MAFA event this weekend. The book is a collection of 13 pen and ink drawings done by Monrovia artist Marjorie Brewer who started drawing homes in the late 1950s. Check out the MOHPG booth for this collectible edition.

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