Traditional festivities launch the holiday season in the Montrose Shopping Park.

By Nicole MOORE

On Nov. 25 starting at 5:30 p.m., White Friday, a unique shopping event held in the Montrose Shopping Park, will offer attendees holiday cheer and discounted prices by local businesses. In recent years, the Montrose Shopping Park Association established this event as an alternative to Black Friday and as a way to support local retailers during the holiday season.

“We call [it] White Friday for two reasons. Many [Montrose Shopping Park] businesses will offer to white-out the sales tax that day. Also we create an artificial snowfall at the Honolulu and Ocean View intersection when we ceremonially light up the Montrose Christmas tree,” said Dale Dawson, MSPA event coordinator.

The event will start off with performances by the Jingle Singers and the Hummingbird Conservatory, both performing on a Christmas wagon, as well as caroling throughout the Montrose Shopping Park. For further festivity, the local classic rock group, The Subs, will be performing until 9 p.m.

Dawson said the mayor of Glendale, Paula Devine, will commence the lighting of the 22-foot Christmas tree in front of Starbucks at 7 p.m. Students who volunteer for Prom Plus Club will then turn on the lights on the remaining trees in the Montrose Shopping Park. As snow flurry machines are turned on, creating a manmade winter wonderland, attendees will join in on a sing-along of popular holiday tunes. Santa will also be in attendance for the event with his mirthful throne located in front of the main Christmas tree.

Then on Nov. 26, the Montrose Shopping Park will participate in a national shopping event, sponsored by American Express, called Small Business Saturday.

“When [American Express] cardholders use a pre-registered American Express card for [Small Business Saturday], they earn double [American Express] points through the month of December,” said Dawson.

Local stores, such as Once Upon a Time, will take part in Small Business Saturday. Maureen Palacios, owner of Once Upon a Time, said customers visiting her store during this event can look forward to a day full of “fun, excitement and authors.” Erica Silverman, author of award winning children’s books such as “Cowgirl Kate and Cocoa,” and Rodolfo Montalvo, illustrator of “Dear Dragon,” will be at the store for book signings. Once Upon A Time will also be offering snacks to customers and a free gift with purchase of $50 or more.

Small Business Saturday also marks the beginning of Montrose Old Town Christmas. Dawson said on the weekends counting down to Christmas attendees can expect “free horse-drawn wagon rides, free pony rides on Saturday for the kids, live music on every block, and Santa strolling the Shopping Park handing out hundreds of candy canes.”

For information regarding these events visit www.shopmontrose.com.

  Nicole MOORE