Crowds swarm onto Honolulu Avenue in search of unique items, favorite foods.

By Sammi SLAYBACK

Artists and craftsmen from all over     California – as well as from other states – gathered to celebrate Montrose’s 29th Annual Arts and Crafts Festival on Saturday and Sunday.

Approximately 300 vendors set up their tents along Honolulu Avenue in the Montrose Shopping Park ready to greet the thousands expected to spend some time – and hopefully some cash – on their wares.

Thankfully, no one was disappointed.

Clear skies and warm temperatures greeted community members who strolled down the street admiring the homemade goods. Folks could select from a variety of food for sale while listening to live music. A children’s play area was even provided, including a bounce house, petting zoo and pony rides.

The Montrose Arts and Crafts Festival is the largest public event in the city of Glendale. It offers attractions for all interests, many of which can be found each year.

“A lot of people are return vendors,” explained eight-year festival coordinator Dee Overden. “We have some people that come all the way from Arizona.”

Vendor Mary Lou Borgstrom, a craftsman from Thousand Oaks, travels from festival to festival and has been visiting the Montrose event for the past eight years. She and her husband work from home, making driftwood wind chimes and other wooden products.

“We end up going to about 32 shows a year,” said Borgstrom. “I particularly love Montrose. It’s a beautiful little town with lots of homeowners who really appreciate art.”

Other merchants don’t have to travel more than a few feet from their usual shops for their spot in the festivities. Montrose Bakery and Café has been hosting a food booth all 29 years the festival has been held.

“We enjoy doing this for the community,” said bakery owner Henry Baeza. “We keep prices low and we’re still here.”

Merchants pay for their assigned spots along Honolulu Avenue, with proceeds going to the Montrose Shopping Park Assn., which pays for holiday decorations as well as other renovations.

This year, the festival managed to lure in approximately 25,000 guests over the two-day duration, which Overden considered to be very successful.

“Our economy is down,” she said, “but many people did very well and I’m sure they will be back next year.”

  Leonard Coutin, Sammi SLAYBACK