Sweltering Heat Doesn't Discourage Attendance to Summer Events

In spite of sweltering heat last Sunday, outdoor events across the Southland were well-attended by families eager to enjoy the last days of summer vacation. Our family made a tour of two popular festivals.

In Montrose the Harvest Festival farmers brought fruit, vegetables and flowers, but the organizers added extras especially for children. As we exited the car, we bumped into the Schechter family from Pasadena in the parking lot near Market Street. Cathy carried baby daughter Kyra, while Steve toted bags of produce, and a gorgeous bouquet of giant yellow sunflowers.

On Market Sreet, just below Honolulu, toddlers took hesitant steps inside a small fenced enclosure, reaching out their tiny hands to baby goats. A few yards away, volunteers from the Glendale Humane Society showed off three smart, healthy dogs.

Ellen Leyda of La Cañada coordinates volunteers for the Humane Society.

"We're up here twice a month with dogs ready to be adopted. I love doing this because I respect the society's philosophy. Our shelter has a no-kill policy. A lot of our dogs come from city shelters without one. We've saved many dogs this way," she said.

As we turned the corner onto Honolulu, a worker with the pony ride provider rushed in front of us to sweep up pony droppings.

Nikko from Glendale sat tall in the saddle while his father walked next to the guide as she led the pony slowly down the street. Across the way, a crowd gathered, awaiting the arrival of a magician. Bruce Perovich, a member of the Magic Castle, wowed the audience when he stepped forth dramatically in his tall hat and medieval magician's robes. Of course his rabbit appeared in a starring role, too. Vlad Jebran volunteered from the audience to help with a ball trick. Vlad showed superb stage presence, bowing slightly at the conclusion of the trick. His mom told me that Vlad transfers to Fremont Elementary School this year, starting second grade soon.

We strolled up the street, drawn by the jazzy sounds of Gremoli; the musicians looked crisp and cool in their white polo shirts. Just as we arrived, a handsome couple took a turn in a lively exhibition of swing dancing, their movements practiced and assured. Next, we spotted Nancy Jean Gray, in full costume as Mother Goose. Her puppet helped charm the children.