NorthPrimrose

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Santa Visits Primrose

It was a cold and blustery night on our street, but that didn't stop ol' Saint Nick from making a visit.  With rain pounding the pavement, and the few brave souls who rode in Santa's Sleigh, the traditional holiday procession rolled North up Primrose just before 6:00 last night.

As always, elfs young and old heard not a clatter but sirens, then dashed from their doors not to see what was the matter, but one of the many great things about this town.  Angie and Dominic from the 100s got stuck behind the procession and barely missed out on the fun.  But, they dashed over to Magnolia, and caught him on the next trip!

Santa, it seems, didn't want to risk getting a cold before his big Christmas run, so he rode in the cab of Fire Engine 702, "ho ho ho"ing his way from the loud speaker. He was no doubt warmer than those who dashed out to see him.  Teddy ran with Robert as far at they porch, then thought better of it.

A parade of Monrovia Police Vehicles, including a patrol car with a bright assortment of extras made up the  rest of the entourage, scouting far enough out that folks would know he was coming.

Bringing up the rear was Santa's sleigh and a small handful of very cold, wet and brave carolers.  They weren't making a lot of music, and frankly we don't blame them. Well, maybe we'll have better luck next year and get to hear them sing.

It's funny how the simple, silly things make you appreciate what you've got. This is a tradition that could never be pulled off in most cities in our area.  Can you imagine the LAPD escorting Santa to every street in LA?

It's yet another special attribute of Monrovia, and something we shuold all cherish, whether we are little kids, big kids, or little kids who just got big.

Santa Clause is Coming, To Primrose!

Folks-

One of the great traditions of Monrovia is the annual Santa Claus tour.  The Jolly Old Man cruises the streets of the Gem City every night this week, tossing candy canes to little boys and girls, and those who forgot they no longer are so little.

Tonight is the night St. Nick and his entourage of Monrovia police and fire units will roll around the streets north of Foothill and west of Myrtle.  Why that's us!

The excitements starts around 5:30, so if you hear a lot of sirens on the street, get in your warm clothes and stroll outside to say  Ho Ho Ho!

Primrose Gets Stealthy

A lot of Primrosians (and Monrovians) heard the rumble of freedom echo across the Valley Sunday as the Stealth Bomber flew over.  The plane was making a pass over the funeral of Padasena resident and retired Air Force Secretary Verne Orr.

Eric Wilkerson caught a glimpse and a photo of the multi-billion dollar tax-payer asset as it jetted overhead. Here it is:

Monrovia Christmas Parade 2008

Neighbors:

If you want to live in some hoity-toity neihborhood by the beach or hi-rises or lofts go ahead.  If the number of places that serve tofu within walking distance is how you rate a town, hey, Monrovia ain't for you.

But if you want to live in a place that runs out en-masse to watch elementary schools and Brownie troop kids walk up the street (with major gaps in between) for a good old-fashioned Christmas Parade, then I defy you to find a place this side of Kansas with a more down-home holiday hoe-down.

Enroute to the parade, we passed Chris and the new twins rolling (asleep) (them, not him) down Foothill.  From there, it was a great Monrovia show, with a full Primrose presence.

Sadly, Robert learned he really ought to read the manual for his expensive camera.  A lot of shots didn't come out at all (oddly, including all of the ones of politicians!).  But, here's a selection of the night...

  Monica and Alyssa from the 100 block had a great time representing Girl Scout Troop 1263. We didn't see Eric, Victoria or baby Sarah, but they must've been around somewhere!

The Monrovia Reads & Plays Reading Mobile was up front. We didn't see Becky Shevlin from the 300 block, but it's a fair bet she was around.

It was a night full of bands, and Clifton Middle School was right there!  They were in step, in time, and on key.  Great job!

The Monrovia Marching Wildcat Band is having a double-duty week.  Tonight they led the way for Santa. Friday night, they will be the sound track as the Wildcat footbal team fights to reach the CIF Championship Game!  They looked sharp! (And, hey, isn't that the same tuba player from this picture?)

It was a night filled with cute dogs and pretty ladies.  And, what do you know, Robert managed to get both in one picture!

Monrovia Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting Tonight

Folks:

Primrose will be well represented in tonight's Holiday Parade.  The Wilkersons will be walking with the Girl Scouts just after the middle of the parade, and we expect MUSD President Ed Gilliland will also be present, as might some other neighbors with groups like Monrovia Reads & Plays!

The tree will be lit at 6:00 and the parade gets rolling at 7.

It's a great time for the community.  Hope to see you all there!

Here's last year's tree, courtesy of GemCityImages.com

MHS In Football Semi-Finals Friday Night

Folks:

The local kids will be taking the second to last step toward the football chamionship Friday night when then host the Rosemead Panthers at MHS.  This is a re-match of a game the Wildcats lost earlier in the year, but that was a long time ago. And, that was a road game.

What will make the difference in a home game?  Well fans like you, of course!

The winner of this game goes on to the Mid-Valley Division Championship, and a shot at a taste of glory.