By Sheryl Aronson
On Saturday, May 20th, Montana Avenue in Santa Monica held it’s Spring Annual Sidewalk Sale where the merchants of the 11 block radius enticed and rewarded the shoppers with super discounted merchandise.
Ryan Ole Hass, Chairman of the Montana Avenue Merchants Association told The Hollywood 360, “ We came down here at 10:30 for brunch at Art’s Table and the streets were already bustling and packed., Christine Peake of the Peakprgroup arranged for people to get free rides from the Freebird… that was outstanding.”
Montana Avenue exuded its typical charm – fabulously chic intermixed with its village warmth. Strolling the blocks one could pick up perfume oils at Larissa Love Bath where Marguerite Kajajian was on hand to help the shoppers, a designer pair of hip sunglasses from The Shade Store, lovely fashions from BOCA, sexy lingerie from Footsie, scrumptious food from Whole Foods Market and the list goes on and on.
When asked about why Montana Avenue is so special…Ryan Hass, concluded “ It is an interesting culture. By talking to the people that have been here a long time, they feel that the charm and what they feel is the core of Montana is still here. A gentleman I spoke with today who is 81, and has been here for 43 years, told me it hasn’t change much. The soul of Montana has stayed intact.”
The Sidewalk Sale was frequented by locals, tourists and families alike who were enjoying the easy, relaxed pace of the day. Christine Peake, publicist of Peakprgroup, (responsible for the promotion of the Sidewalk Sale) worked her magic along the streets buzzing around the stores keeping the atmosphere festive.
Film and Television Producer Cindy Cowan and her friends Patti & Josh Wedlock came down to partake in the fun time. Also joining Cindy was actress Erin Gavin and playmate Rosie Tension. Celebrity trainer, Charlene Ciardiello, and award winning actress Tanna Frederick ran into each other at Locanda Portofino taking time to pose for a photo.
The many blocks of stunning stores, restaurants, cafes and health/beauty services were so welcoming. There was one resident who just loved that everyone looked so happy. At 85, she informed me that she still lived in the building her husband had built many years ago. “I love seeing the people, the children and all the smiles. Everybody looks great and happy.
I came to Los Angeles in 1961 from St. Louis. I was the dresser for Imogene Coca. She told me to go West and so I did,” Barbara Winebright told The Hollywood 360. Barbara continued talking about why Montana Avenue is her beloved home.
“What I like about Montana is that there are buildings that are human dimensional. I love the lights at night, they make the area look so beautiful.”
As the day was winding down and dusk was settling in, the streets stayed busy with restaurant goers. Soon the sparkling lights that draped the trees came on as the sun set. The charm of Montana Avenue continued to glimmer on into the night.
Montana Avenue shoppers use: https://freebird.app.link/Montana
For more information visit: http://www.MontanaAve.Com, Or https://freebirdrides.com/
Photo Credit: Sheryl Aronson / The Hollywood 360