Old Bank District Holds Successful First Holiday Block Party
Ed Fuentes
On 4th and Main, snow "fell" before the opening of The Afternoons.
DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — Late into Saturday afternoon, Gilmore Associates staffers were rushing around to finish last minute details for the first Old Bank District Holiday Block Party, hoping to let neighbors (and guests) feel something new from the now familiar streets around 4th and Main.
It worked. Along with "causal nightlife center of Downtown," GilVille can add "successful holiday party spot" to its resume. The event seemed to run so smoothly, you thought the token rain sprinkles at 11:05pm were arranged as a warning; a proverbial heads-up that the midnight closing hour was coming.
Even with the brief touch of drops, no one left the front of the Main Stage where “The Afternoons” were beginning their set. Nor did they move from Harlem Alley, where Pablo Calogero and his band were in full swing. In fact, the only caution sought was by those who took shelter in the beer garden under the holiday lights, or the outdoor tables that extended the patios of Pete’s Bar & Grill, Warung Cafe and Rocket Pizza Lounge into the streets.
With the event not yet over, organizer Tom Gilmore was already brainstorming how to improve the event for year two, perhaps via an extension north on Main. Others are looking to get into the holiday spirit. Saeed Farkhondehpour, developer of the under-construction Medallion project, inquired how to prepare his building to allow the well-received holiday lights to extend beyond this year's single block.
No event's perfect. Those under 21 were blocked from entering Lost Souls Café due to Harlem Alley’s green wrist band lockdown. Also, Main Street was blocked off with no compromise, confusing the Late Night DASH drivers who detoured before the pre-arranged block party stop at Winston and Main.
The event succeeded in offering creativity with less chaos than the monthly Art Walks, offering Downtowners a chance to mingle and exchange holiday greetings as neighbors.
Rich Alossi on December 08, 2008, at 09:20AM – #1
I had a great time checking out the booths and stages. It never got too crowded but was consistently well-attended after about 7:30pm.
Several people commented that they'd like to see lights in some form year-round in the Old Bank District. I agree.
skidrowdude on December 08, 2008, at 09:46AM – #2
I had a great time and thought it was well-organized and just the right amount of people for my taste. Only downer for me was that when I arrived around 9pm with a toy for the Midnight Mission, those folks had already left both of their booths. Some lady at the "Press" table offered to make sure it got to the right poeple, which was nice as I felt dumb walking around with a stuffed, talking dog...
Lights are very cool and I too hope they can figure out how to leave some up all year.
Nathan on December 08, 2008, at 10:02AM – #3
How did I not get this memo!? I'm down on 7th and Los Angeles St. and had no idea this was going on. They probably could have done a little more promotion.
Purple Haze on December 08, 2008, at 10:30AM – #4
hmmm.. well if they're bound to leave the lights up year round, they'd best change the color... two more months of blue and it'll be hara kiri 'ville.
how about a technology where each month would present a new shade of neon?
start off with TG Tangerine.
JM on December 08, 2008, at 01:09PM – #5
The lights are a nice touch. The other night, I was thinking of what the neighborhood used to look like just five years ago and how far it's come since then. Congratulations to all the businesses and residents.
Juichi on December 08, 2008, at 02:33PM – #6
I love the lights, but I wonder how people living on the lower floors of the Hellman, Continental, and Barclay feel about them.
The party was cool. I think it was a great idea. I wasn't that into the main stage music(although the Jazz alley was really cool). It would be cool to have more stands/tables(food, downtown information, etc.). It would be cool to have some other fun activities to do. Maybe an area for games or movies. You could have a section for a quiz and/or game show type thing.
Overall it was a great idea and really good for the first one. I can't wait to see what they do next year.
Ankur on December 08, 2008, at 02:46PM – #7
Had a good time, and great job promoting the event erik!
I wish falafel express was open around the corner though!!
Benjamin Pezzillo on December 08, 2008, at 06:04PM – #8
As noted elsewhere, we greatly appreciated the opportunity to be involved and thought it was a wonderful community event.
Downtowner on December 08, 2008, at 09:57PM – #9
It was a great event, and a good opportunity for downtown urban living to be featured right on the downtown urban streets. Very cool.
Next year I would suggest in addition to offering regular sit-down service, that the restaurants offer food booths that serve a few things each, like at the Farmers Markets, and offer near;ly instant service. So people could wait for a table and order from the regular menu if they want to spend the time for that, since service is understandably slow given the crowds, or they could just buy a small plate of something at one of the restaurant's booths that have fewer, but much quicker, choices so people can grab a bite and keep on rockin.
Alonso on December 11, 2008, at 12:41AM – #10
The farmer's market food vendors would be a great addition to this event next time. Just to spread the food love around some.
But I will be the first to say that the lights above 4th St. should stay a once-a-year thing. I love them, and the charm is unprecedented, but once a year (Christmas time is here...) makes their appearance that much more special and appreciated. We don't want the Vegas Strip in our front yards. I do agree we ought to stretch them out further. That would be a huge plus for the years to come.
Awesomeness the whole night.