White Friday …
It Started In Montrose

I can remember the moment as if it were yesterday. It was a warm summer evening and the MSPA (Montrose Shopping Park Association) Events Committee was seated on the pleasant patio of Ocean View Bistro. The subject at hand was the holiday season. The table was large and we were all sharing around. We were discussing the idea of snow when all of a sudden Montrose Ambassador Steve Pierce said, “We could call it “White Friday.” There was a hush around the table as this phrase so simple and so perfect hit us like the first white flakes falling from the sky. Why hadn’t anyone ever thought of this before? It’s so Montrose! We have a whole different pace and old-fashioned vibe than the rest of the crazy shopping world. Yes! White Friday it is! Our promotions coordinator Linda McMenamin had her work cut out for her.

On Friday, Nov. 25, the day after Thanksgiving, we will open at our normal time offering you a charming alternative to all the chaos out there. Many of our stores will be “whiting out” the sales tax that day (my idea, thank you!) and offering special promotions, hosting open houses, and other goodies. To find those participating stores, just look for the white snowflake in their window.

In addition, the 2200 block will be closed to autos because we have snow coming (the vsion of Jake Menachian), and strolling carolers. At 7 p.m. we will host our First Annual Holiday Tree and Town Lighting ceremony. We can thank Dale Dawson for doing all the research and legwork to purchase a spectacular Hollywood tree on behalf of the town that will be prominently displayed at the corner of Honolulu and Ocean View. You will know why the tree is thus named when you see it. The plan is to light up the entire town before your very eyes!

Saturday, Nov. 26 begins our Old Town Christmas celebrations with free horse drawn trolley rides and free Saturday pony rides for the kids. Santa will be strolling and live bands will be playing Christmas music. On Sunday, our popular Harvest and Thieves markets will be in full swing as always.

So do leave the overcrowded malls and long lines behind as you “Come Home To Montrose!” There’s plenty of free parking, wonderful shops and amazing food – truly something for everyone.

For more details, visit our website www.shopmontrose.com.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and thanks for reading and supporting our unique town.

  Mary Dawson