Fortune favored Venice for this year’s edition of the annual Holiday Sign Lighting presented by Fat Sal’s!  I don’t think I remember a better evening of weather for us to come together and celebrate.  And it seemed like the spirit of the season was in the air.  Every year we all wish for presents under the tree and for a while, it’s felt like Venice has been getting a box of coal.  But things feel different this year; from the jingle bell and light necklaces being handed out to the warm drinks and snacks provided by our sponsors on the street, maybe there really is a Santa Claus.. or at least a Buddy the Elf.

The Chamber was proud to host another great gathering and grateful to our new neighbor Fat Sal’s for coming onboard to help make the evening possible.  Fat Sal’s was joined by almost 70 local businesses as sponsors – nowhere else is that sort of community pride expressed in such a big and generous way… a total commitment from our local business community to show everyone a good time!

The street was jammed with local businesses giving away treats, nonprofits spreading info about their good works and our valued municipal agencies there to meet stakeholders face to face.  And the show onstage brought together an incredible mix of locals and legends.  Venice based Los Pochos and the Lexington Queen reunion performances rocked and set up Shcool Board VP Nick Melvoin for the annual announcement of the “My Venice Holidays” Poster Contest.  Open to all public elementary school kids in Venice, the winner from each grade were honored onstage with gifts, prizes and certificates of merit from our elected officials.  Finally, Sign Lighting Music Director Rob Christie convened our “Venice All Stars” band for some traditional holiday rocking, joined by the backbone of Conan O’Brien’s famed “Basic Cable Band!”

For the grand finale, new Councilmember Traci Park joined us to help honor retired CD11 Deputy Mark Antonio Grant with our “Unsung Hero” Award.  Mark, his beloved wife Eileen and our Presenting Sponsor Josh Stone from Fat Sal’s then all gave The Switch a mighty pull to light The Sign and ring in the season! The band played on and people grooved in the street as snowflakes lofted down.

You may say there’s no such thing as Santa, but as for me and Emcee Newhouse…we believe!  Happy holidays everyone and on to an even more joyful 2023.