Things are ramping up at the Crescenta Valley Chamber of Commerce. We’ve got all our irons in the fire as we prepare for a number of upcoming events.

First on deck is one of our biggest mixers of the year, the Mardi Gras-themed pre-Smart-a-Thon mixer at Bob Smith Toyota. It’s happening next Wednesday, Feb. 11 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. There will be prizes, Cajun music, and Cajun food like jambalaya and king cake. Everyone is welcome to this New Orleans celebration.  Wearing purple, green and yellow is de rigeur. Bead throwing is optional. Cost is only $9, $7 for CV Chamber members. Chamber members are also eligible for a special drawing currently valued at $175. However, you must be present to win!

Did you know the CV Chamber of Commerce keeps the westbound 210 Freeway/La Crescenta Avenue off-ramp looking spiffy? On the second Saturday of every month, members and volunteers are out there from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. with gloves, vests and trash bags making the unofficial entry into La Crescenta look clean and welcoming. If you’d like to show your community some love, just show up on Feb. 14, Valentine’s Day, in sturdy shoes and gloves. We’ll provide the rest. No one under 18, please.

We’re currently accepting applications to host a booth at the Hometown Country Fair coming up on April 25. We’ve already heard from craftspeople selling jewelry, scarves, skin products, beaded barrettes, fine sheet sets and handmade coasters. Other vendors will be offering chiropractic services, safety ID cards, pet adoptions and more. Offer your product or service to the approximately 4,000 visitors to our popular annual event featuring music, food and entertainment. Contact the office or visit the website for a form.

Perhaps you’d like to take your participation one step further and become a Hometown Country Fair sponsor. Your company name and logo will be featured prominently in advertising and at the event. You’ll also receive a complimentary 10 x 10 foot booth space. Levels of sponsorship range from Flag Sponsor ($125) to Title Sponsor ($3500) with benefits to match. And you can be certain your sponsorship will bolster the Chamber’s ongoing efforts such as student scholarships, educational grants and community-building activities.

Finally, mark your calendars for the Day at the Races on Sunday, March 15!  Organized in conjunction with the Montrose-Verdugo City Chamber of Commerce and the Crescenta Valley Sheriff’s Support Group, the CV Chamber is chomping at the bit to get to this exciting annual event at Santa Anita Park. Rick Dinger from Crescenta Valley Insurance has once again arranged for our group to have a private section of the grandstand area called “The Top of the Stretch.”  Your $25 ticket ($15 for ages 17 and under) gets you a delicious barbecue lunch, nine thrilling Thoroughbred races, parking, an official racing program and a great party.

The Crescenta Valley Chamber of Commerce is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. Our website is www.crescentavalleychamber.org.

  Lisa DUPUY