Photos by Brandon Hawk
Seasonal cheer filled the air on December 3 as community members took part in Toluca Lake’s annual Holiday Open House. The neighborhood went all out this year to make the event memorable, with a mariachi band performing live music outside Pergolina and along Riverside Drive, and the Craig Strong Group team working hard to “hand out freshly made doughnuts, popcorn, hot chocolate, wine and cheese, cookies, bags and other items, while always smiling and having a blast!” Strong says. Other businesses opened their doors or set up booths on the sidewalks with special offerings, including discounts on popular items, giveaways and fun games.
To Strong, the Holiday Open House is a great opportunity for residents to remind themselves why Toluca Lake is such an amazing place to call home. “Getting together with all the neighbors and enjoying our community truly reminds us all how lucky we are to live here,” he says. “Serving delicious treats to the community while listening to either the carolers or the bagpipers has to be my favorite part.”
Among those taking part in the festivities was Soraya Ardakani of Rose & Sage, who had a balloon twister for children outside the store and a holiday sale for customers inside. “I love always sticking my head out of the store and seeing the crowd outside,” she shares. “Having all the activities and vendors on the sidewalk made it great for everyone!”
Adding to the uniqueness of the Holiday Open House was its start time. While the event has traditionally kicked off at sundown, this time around it was held in the afternoon. “We’ve all had to adapt to change these last couple years, and one was to have it during the day versus the evening,” Ardakani says. “I’m just happy we are able to hold this great event again!”
Honorary mayor Fritz Coleman also led a champagne toast and delivered a heartfelt message to residents, capping off a fantastic celebration that was enjoyed by all.