Montrose's July 4th Weekend Block Party & Hot Rod Show

It was a dream come true for the Montrose Shopping Park Association on July 4th weekend four years ago. On Independence Day Sunday 2002, the Shopping Park Board of Directors banked on the fact that residents of the Glendale and Crescenta Valley Areas wanted a neighborhood family reunion early in the day as part of their holiday celebration. Their efforts paid off in the form of the "July 4th Weekend Block Party & Hot Rod Show." Last year, more than sixteen thousand attendees showed up to celebrate the nation's birth and each other.

This year, instead of merely hoping to attract a crowd, the goal is to live up to last year's fun. The concept behind the July 4th Weekend Block Party is to create a family oriented Americana event, full of small town USA imagery. Not to disappoint, this year's line up is full of activities that are sure to please.

The most popular draw is the vintage Hot Rod Show. More than 65 vintage Hot Rods and Street Rods will be on hand with their owners at this invitation only hot car gathering. The Hot Rods will be on display in the 2400 Block of Honolulu Ave., with the overall event area extending east along Honolulu Ave. to Ocean View Blvd.

The anchor for the event is the Montrose Harvest Market, now in its fourth year. Here, visitors will find more than 60 farmers and vendors offering California Certified Produce as well as organic produce, fresh baked goods, specialty foods and food booths. The Harvest Market also features a "Thieves' Market," where shoppers can purchase small collectibles, memorabilia and antiques.

For the kids, "bounce" will be the word for the day. The Montrose Bounce Company will offer "bounce attractions," including an obstacle course and bounce castle. In addition, Heavenly Hand-led Pony Rides will return. These ponies are a favorite at the Harvest Market. Children are buckled into their saddles and each pony has its own attendant who personally escorts the children on a "hand-led" ride. Critters to Go Petting Zoo will join us this year to the delight of young and old alike and children's face painting will be offered.

The Montrose merchants invite the community to this wonderful July 4th Block Party from 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM in the 2300 and 2400 blocks of Honolulu Ave. Shop, eat and play all day in the Montrose Shopping Park.