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Old Town Report (12/1/16 Issue)
Community Dec 01, 2016
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By Pam Fitzpatrick
What a wild and crazy week we’ve had in Old Town. We went from the fun of Thanksgiving to the harried fun of Black Friday and then on to an incredible Small Business Saturday. Thank you, Monrovia and surrounds … we love you! Beyond the bottom line, which is much appreciated, the joy and sense of pride and accomplishment was overwhelming as we saw folks flock to Old Town, specifically to support our small businesses. Tons of thanks to the Monrovia Chamber and the many volunteers who showed up to hand out the free bags and goodies on the corner of Myrtle and Lemon, and thanks to the weather for not raining until after 2 p.m. – and then, even then, our Old Town visitors just kept coming. Who says Californians melt in the rain?
So here we are in the next week and there is more yet to come! This morning (Tuesday, Nov. 29) we had a great, and rather unusual, filming in Old Town. It was great because it was an ABC production (American Crime), and it was early in the morning and very orderly. It was unusual because we generally don’t allow any filming in the months of November and December in the district out of courtesy to our small businesses. But this one was an exception and was well worth the minimal effort invested to give us another “gift that keeps on giving.” Coming up soon on ABC: Old Town Monrovia and the Mundial patio!
Now here’s one for my very good friend, Gary Schaeffler:
Dear Gary, stop making me laugh during City Council meetings or they are going to make me give up my dedicated seat and send me to the back of the chambers. And, Gary, the answer is “no,” I don’t need a bridal gown from St. Carle Bridal Shop (which incidentally will have its ribbon cutting in mid-December) — another great Monrovia Chamber member!
This Thursday, the day this paper publishes, is our yearly Holiday Parade on Myrtle. The Parade itself begins at 7 p.m., but the Tree Lighting Ceremony is at 6 p.m. up at Library Park. After the last entry passes and Santa makes his trek up Myrtle Avenue, the Man in Red can be found in his sleigh up at Library Park, welcoming the kiddies, young and not so young, and doing the photo-op thing.
On Saturdays, if you’re in the mood for more Santa and some good food, along with some free gifts for the young ones, check out one of the Santa Breakfasts in Old Town. I hear the Peach Café is already booked solid for their Dec. 3 and Dec. 17 events, but there are openings at Jakes Roadhouse (Dec. 3 at 9:30 a.m., Dec. 10 at 9:30 a.m. and Dec. 17 at 10:15 a.m. — at Rudy’s (Dec. 10 at 11 a.m. and Dec. 17 at 11 a.m.) — at Myrtle Tree Café (Dec. 10 at 10:15 a.m.) — and the Monrovian (Dec. 17 at 9 a.m.). It’s best to call for reservations whenever possible. Oh, and ask Santa what his favorite holiday song is: I suspect he’ll say “Santa Baby,” but don’t tell him I told you!
Something extra fun is going on at Myrtle Tree Café: they call it “Myrtle Tree Fusion,” and it’s described as a “social fusion dance.” It’s happening at least once – maybe twice – each month, with the next one’s coming on Dec. 4 and Dec. 18 from 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. The postcard I have says it’s free!
Just a reminder for the Parade and Tree Lighting this Thursday, Dec. 1: Come early enough to eat (and maybe shop a bit), and it’s OK to set up lawn chairs on the sidewalks, but just leave someone in charge at all times.
Happy Holidays!
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