Local businesses and members of the Arcadia Chamber of Commerce were prominent at the first of three consecutive Saturdays of the annual Downtown Arcadia Christmas Market Dec. 6, and continuing Dec. 13 & 20.
An estimated crowd of between 600-800 found good food and beverages to purchase from Downtown Arcadia eateries Matt Denny’s Ale House Restaurant (tri-tip and sausage sandwiches Dec. 6, and Sloppy Joes Dec. 13), La Luna Negra (tapas), and Stacked Sandwich (full menu), while others were introduced to merchants ranging from event sponsor and Downtown business Forest Lawn to MD’s Florist, Spa Xanadu, the new Selfie Selfie photo studio, 1st Avenue Salon, The Book Rack, Second Time Around, and the new Santa Anita Hot Yoga. First Avenue business VJ’s Auto Service offered free hot spiced cider, while primary sponsor Foothill Gold Line provided updates on the nearly-completed light rail extension. Horse and carriage rides operating at capacity and offered free courtesy of local developer MW Investment Group took families and couples through Downtown to view the future home of the Gold Line station and the adjacent new Arcadia Transit Plaza decked out with a giant holiday tree decorated with lights and ornaments by The City of Arcadia.
Many were lucky winners of a hooded sweatshirt and free tickets at a spinning wheel game in the booth of Santa Anita Park, which opens its new horse racing season Dec. 26. Santa Anita Park also sponsored the special Carcadia Christmas car show featuring more than two dozen classic cars of every type, including four model A cars from the local Santa Anita A’s club as well as Cobras, Mustangs, Corvettes, hot rods and many others.
Lines were steady all evening for free photos with Santa Claus in front of a classic fire engine provided by the Arcadia Fire Department.
All of these activities and much more will be available again the next two Saturdays, Dec. 13 & 20, when the popular Lance & Gary band from last year also return to the Christmas Market this year, this time with a giant video screen backdrop. A inflated bouncey-house jumper will also be set up for kids to enjoy along with blowing snow throughout the venue and plenty of delicious food and beverages. Matt Denny’s will offer Sloppy Joes.
The event is staged from 5-9 p.m. on First Avenue, which is closed for the activities between Huntington Drive and Wheeler Street.
More photos of event and business vendors below…
