Magnolia Park merchants have been decorating storefronts and checking their lists twice, preparing for the annual Holiday in the Park event to be held on Friday, November 22, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Storefronts at the intersection of Hollywood Way and Magnolia Boulevard, stretching for several blocks in all four directions will be making merry with a host of special guests, events and entertainment.
Each store participating in the Friday evening festivities will be collecting non-perishable food and new toy donations for the Burbank Temporary Aid Center’s annual Holiday Baskets program. Everyone attending Holiday in the Park is encouraged to bring at least one item to donate for the BTAC food and toy drive.
Magicians, face painting, photo ops and seasonal activities will fill the sidewalks and stores. Book signings and special artists will hold court throughout the evening at Dark Delicacies, 3512 W. Magnolia Blvd. Several live bands and musicians will entertain inside shops and along the street, including the Hep Kittens and Jess Delgado. Vintage home Christmas movies will be projected on the side wall of Mindfulnest, at 3319 W. Magnolia Blvd.
KFI Radio Host and Burbank resident Tim Conway, Jr. comments, “My brothers and sister and I spent every summer of our childhood in Chagrin Falls, a small village East of Cleveland Ohio. The people there were very committed to family and friends plus they all watched out for each others kids. In many ways Burbank is exactly like a small mid-western town but with great weather. If you have kids and you want to live in the San Fernando Valley, Burbank is the only place that makes sense. I’m 50 and I was born and raised in the Valley; I know what I’m talking about.”
“Chagrin Falls has a celebration every Spring called Blossom Time and Burbank’s Holiday in the Park reminds me of the great nights I had with my grandparents,” continues Mr. Conway. “We’ll be doing a live remote on KFI AM 640, 7-10 p.m. on November 22 from a yet to be disclosed location in Magnolia Park so I hope everyone will stop by to say hello.”
At the UMe Credit Union, located at 3000 W. Magnolia between Fairview Ave. and Niagara Ave., Santa and Mrs. Claus will be taking free photos with merry-makers, and caramel apples can be found. A vintage car show will also be held at the UMe Credit Union, with winners announced at 8:00 p.m.
Jordan Middle School’s Vocal Music Association, directed by Christine DeMore, will be represented by the Madrigals and Vocal Ensemble groups; they will sing Holiday carols starting out at Bell Cottage at 3816 W. Magnolia Blvd. at 6:00 p.m. and walk along Magnolia Blvd. and Hollywood Way caroling, and stop by Sheridan Gardens at 817 N. Hollywood Way at 6:30 p.m. The carolers will stroll throughout Holiday in the Park, entertaining shoppers into the evening.
A core group of merchants and business managers in the Magnolia Park district meet regularly to plan the monthly events that have drawn neighbors and visitors alike to the trendy and eclectic shopping area, known for its great gifts, clothes and food. This year’s Holiday in the Park party is proving to be bigger and better than previous years and has brought even more neighborhood shopkeepers out to celebrate and join in the festivities.
Active members of the Holiday in the Park planning group include Ashley Erikson (Magnolia Park public relations and event coordinator), Kerry Krull and Kevin Stolpe (Romancing the Bean), Jenny Dehl (Peggy Wood’s Pet Emporium), Bryce DeVincenzi (Burbank real estate agent) and Theresa and David Hannah (Bell Cottage.) Additional shop owners who have been helping plan this year’s event include Rita (1928 Jewelry), Sue and Del Howison (Dark Delicacies), Susan Cade (Encore Nouveau), Amanda Vernon (Mindfulnest), Connie Towns and Bruce Burr (Towns Burr Gallery),Ross Benson (myburbank.com) and Anita Hutchinson (UMe Credit Union.)
A listing of the evening’s events and guests can be found at the Holiday in the Park website. Check back after November 18 with myBurbank.com and our new Magnolia Park page for the most up-to-date event info.
Various treats, both complimentary and for sale, will be offered along the whole site. Special sales and free gifts can be found as well. Public bathrooms will be available at Worship Walk Church (3310 W Magnolia Blvd.) and Romancing the Bean Cafe (3413 W Magnolia Blvd.) Holiday in the Park is a free event and the perfect place to find unique and creative Holiday gifts while enjoying a fun night out for all ages.
