By Charly SHELTON

Last weekend, the Montrose Shopping Park Association hosted its third annual Montrose Film Festival. Held in the parking lot next to Andersen’s Pets on the former site of the Montrose Theater, the film festival is an opportunity to bring the community together for an evening of food, fun and films.

This year’s films were “Back to the Future” part 1, shown on Friday evening, and part 2 on Saturday evening. An inflatable screen was brought in by the City of Glendale where the films were projected for a crowd that numbered about 250-275 each night, according to organizer Steve Pierce.

“It was a huge success,” Pierce said. “We heard comments like, ‘Can we do this each week?’ and ‘What a great Montrose event!’”

In addition to “Back to the Future,” classic cartoons were shown before the film along with old theater advertisements with dancing popcorn buckets and hot dogs, reminding guests that there is still time to visit the concession stand. Members of the Prom Plus Clubs of Crescenta Valley High and Rosemont Middle schools, dressed in outfits depicting the time periods of the films, were on hand to place and deliver orders for dinner to go from the surrounding restaurants in the Montrose Shopping Park. All of the tips received from food delivery and the proceeds from the concession stand – which was also run by students – went directly to Prom Plus Club.

Live music was provided by The Maestros and on Friday night classic cars from the Early Rodders car club were parked in the 2100 block of Honolulu Avenue to fit with the 1950s theme of the film.

“The CV Prom Plus ‘kids’ and the Early Rodders classic cars cruising added to our success,” said Pierce. “We can’t begin to thank enough each of those two groups. And thanks to each of the participating Montrose restaurants for their Film Week Specials and the dine-in service offered to those in attendance. A truly great evening under the stars!”

  Charly Shelton