Mountain Views News          Saturday, December 14, 2013

SECTION B


SATURDAY. DECEMBER 14, 2013

THE GRINCH, THE MAYOR, SANTA AND THE PRINCESSES

SIERRA MADRE 
CHAMBER GAVE A 
JUMP START TO THE 
HOLIDAY SHOPPING 
SEASON WITH THE 2nd 
ANNUAL WHOVILLE 
FESTIVAL 

On Saturday, November 30th, downtown 
Sierra Madre was transformed into a most 
magical place, complete with snow, horse 
drawn carriages and trains, vendors and 
service clubs with crafts and goodies, and 
lots of shopping fun!

 Formerly called Dickens Village, The 
Grinch and Santa Claus greated young 
and old. Introducing families to the 
wonderful shops in our downtown was 
the primary goal as the event was held 
on Small Business Saturday. The weather 
was mild during the day with just the right 
amount of chill in the evening. 

 The Sierra Madre Civic Club, Garden 
Club, SM Historical Preservation Society, 
Rotary and Kiwanis were all on hand as 
well as the Friends of the Arts in Kersting 
Court who provided an Art Activity for 
children.

 Merchants reported a marked increase 
in sales and it is hoped that many of the 
parents who did not have the opportunity 
to shop will return for those special 
Christmas gifts.

 Santa rode into town in style escorted 
by the 2014 Sierra Madre Rose Float 
Princesses and chauffered by the Sierra 
Madre Fire Department. The Grinch was 
on his very best behavior and full of the 
Christmas spirit.

 A silent auction was held by the chamber 
of Christmas Trees beautifully decorated 
by students at The Gooden School. Sierra 
Madre Elementary and Middle Schools 
and St. Rita School. The proceeds from 
the auction (100%) was donated to the 
respective schools for various activities.

It was a picture 
perfect day for the 
festival. Above, the 
Grinch, Mayor Nancy 
Walsh, Santa and 
Rose Princesses 
Tessa Rose Brandstater, 
Hannah 
Latham, and Madison 
Vlcek. Somewhere in 
the picture are Barry 
Schwam and Pat 
Coburn. Hmmm.

Left, Chamber 
President Ed Chen 
kept the line moving 
for both the trains 
and the snow slide. 
Right, the Civic Club 
sold beautifully hand 
crafted gifts all day 
long.

Photos by Bill Coburn


THE SIERRA MADRE ROSE FLOAT ASSOCIATION 
NEEDS YOUR HELP! By Coco La Salle 


New Years is just around the corner 
and the Sierra Madre Rose Float 
Association (SMRFA) needs all 
they help they can get for this years 
festivities. 

Each year viewers are amazed at he 
creativity and hard work volunteers 
put towards making these floats. 
Ever wondered how exactly the 
floats are put together? Have you 
previously helped out and can’t wait 
to help again this year? This is the 
perfect time to join the Sierra Madre 
community and help design this 
year’s Rose Parade float. 

The Rose Float Association is in 
need of all sorts of support from 
construction and decorating crew 
members to volunteer chefs, sales 
and postcards. There is a job for 
anybody and everybody 

who donate their time. 

Are you a High School student looking 
to earn those extra community 
service hours? What better way to 
get those done! Volunteer today 
and you will not only be helping the 
community, you’ll get the chance to 
use your creativity and have lots of 
fun! 

The association has put together a 
new means of signing up for a shift. 
Now everything is online! You can 
sign up for all the shifts you want 
from the convenience of your own 
home. All you have to do is go to 
the SMRFA website to sign up and 
plan that wonderful week between 
Christmas and New Years. Shifts run 
from December 26- 31 between 9 
A.M. and 10 P.M. 

Not only can you volunteer your 
time for a great experience, you can 
also donate to the Sierra Madre Rose 
Float Association. They are currently 
in search for key supplies such as 
working blenders and non-steam 
irons for the preparation of all the 
floral materials. 

If you can help by donating any of 
the following or have any further 
questions please contact Bonnie, the 
SMRFA Volunteer Coordinator, by 
emailing volunteers@smrosefloat.
org or leave a message at the barn 
(626-355-7005). Be sure to leave your 
name, call back number, and how 
you would like to get involved. 

Come decorate and be a part of this

125 year tradition.


We’d like to hear from you! 

What’s on YOUR Mind?

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