By Robin GOLDSWORTHY

The community came together in Montrose to kick off the holiday season at the annual Montrose Shopping Park tree lighting ceremony. Dignitaries included Glendale Mayor Paula Devine, representatives from the Montrose Shopping Park Assn. board of directors, merchants, carolers and the public.

MSPA board President Andre Ordubegian welcomed the crowd atop the holiday trolley that will be active weekends until Christmas shuttling shoppers along Honolulu Avenue.

“In my opinion, the ‘home town’ feeling ran rampant Friday night. Some of the little ones had perhaps never witnessed falling ‘snow!’” said MSPA business administrator Dale Dawson. “They had such a great time with Mom and Dad. We all came together, as Mayor Devine said, ‘in the spirit of love.”

Attendees both young and – mature – sang holiday favorites along with members of Tara McGrath’s Hummingbird Conservatory carolers.

“I’m so grateful to the town of Montrose to give my students an opportunity to sing,” said McGrath. “My students were so excited about this event!”

McGrath added that the tree lighting ceremony was the first of three holiday gigs where her students will be performing. The next is on Dec. 9 at local business Boulevard 34 at 3427 Ocean View Blvd. in Montrose.

“We think it’s important to support local business,” McGrath said.

Supporting small business was what Small Business Saturday was about. On Nov. 26, many local businesses welcomed an abundance of customers eager to buy and learn about their shops.

Gigi Garcia of It Takes A Village in Montrose was pleased with Saturday’s turnout.

“We had a great day!” said Garcia. “It was fun doing our raffle and giving away free totes, though around 2 o’clock business slowed down tremendously due to the rain.”

Flintridge Bookstore and Coffeehouse in La Cañada hosted a variety of events to attract shoppers.

“Highlights of the day included an appearance by comic writer/creator Rick Remender – whose ‘Deadly Class’ is soon to be a Sony Pictures television series – as well as several other local authors,” said Gail Mishkin of Flintridge Bookstore. “Christmas carols [were performed] by members of the La Cañada High School Choral Dept., and we had guitar and harp performances, a fantastic selection of ceramics, jewelry, fiber figures and tote bags by local artists.”

Mishkin added that there were furry goodwill ambassadors onsite as well including Cedar, the reading therapy collie, and beaus Blondie and Luke, a Golden retriever couple who are volunteers at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.

“It was a very festive celebration despite the threatening skies, and we can’t say strongly enough how much we appreciate having this day designated nationally for ‘shopping small.’”

At Once Upon A Time in Montrose, store owner Maureen Palacios was kept busy.

“This is such a great event for our store and the community. Well-wishers and book buyers were not deterred by the inclement weather and lines formed quickly at the cash register as happy folks took great pleasure in their purchases,” she said. “Our six author/honorary booksellers talked up a storm with shoppers, suggesting not just their book, but others on our shelves. Many buyers were treated to an individually personalized book including a drawing. All left cheered that the store, though small and cozy, is still vibrant with tons of character, charm and unique gifts, even at age 50!”

Though Small Business Saturday is over this year, Garcia reminds the community of the importance to shop small all year.

“Small businesses give great customer service and free gift wrap,” said Garcia. “These are the businesses that support and donate to your community year round.”

  robin goldsworthy