Montrose comes through again

The good weather made the Montrose Christmas Tree Lighting Festival a great success. A snow-making machine helped make Honolulu Avenue feel like a winter wonderland. I saw little kids and bigger kids with gray hair throwing snowballs. One even hit one of the carolers, right in the middle of one of my favorite songs.

Behind the scenes, Santa’s elves, Steve Pierce and Linda McMenamin, were busy making sure all the equipment was being moved into place. They and the other merchants helped make sure the streets and sidewalks were clean before the first snowball hit the ground.

A jolly Ken Grayson was the master of ceremonies, serving with his helpers, Dale and Mary Dawson. Melinda, from the Montrose-Verdugo Chamber of Commerce, was there making sure everything went smoothly.

Since the tree-lighting festival fell on Friday, many merchants also were holding sales — no sales tax. Thank you, Santa.

To complete the Christmas spirit, Santa Claus was busy handing out some treats. I did not see Mrs. Claus, but perhaps she was home busy baking cookies.

I also recently attended the Oktoberfest, and next up is the Montrose Christmas Parade. Before you know it, Montrose will be celebrating its centennial birthday, in February. I know of no other part of Glendale that has such a community spirit.

Bring on the holiday season.

Mayberry, USA is alive and well, thanks to the spirit of the residents and business community working together year-round.

Mike Mohill
Glendale