Time to meet the merchants

Claudia Peschiutta

DOWNTOWN -- Call it the Downtown Glendale Merchants Assn.’s debutante

ball.

The recently formed group is presenting itself to the community today

with a fair featuring food, live entertainment and booths hosted by local

businesses. The event will be held in the Brand Boulevard walkway that

leads to the Orange Street parking garage.

Association President Martin Aguilera said “Glendale Expo 2000” is an

effort to let people know the group exists and encourage local business

owners to join.

“People will see that we mean business,” he said.

This is the first event the group has put on since it came together in

March. The association has attracted more than 40 members, said Aguilera,

a senior advertising account executive for the News-Press.

“The city council is only five members. If we want to implement new

ideas ... we need different organizations to do it,” he said.

The association’s goals, Aguilera said, are to increase foot traffic

and business downtown and beyond.

IF YOU GO

* WHAT: Glendale Expo 2000.

* WHEN: From 4 to 7 p.m. today.

* WHERE: In the Brand Boulevard walkway that leads to the Orange

Street parking garage.

* INFO: The event will feature live music, giveaways and booths hosted

by local restaurants and other businesses and city departments.