Zip into La Cañada's Historic '9.10.11' Event

A citywide celebration of all things La Cañada Flintridge will attempt to open doors and build stronger community ties and friendship among residents, according to organizers of the 9.10.11 event.

The 91011 Working Committee has adopted the slogan "Connect, Celebrate and Remember" to highlight goals for the three-day, weekend event beginning Sept. 9 with the Party in the Park celebration at that will have dining options from local restaurants and food trucks, and also will showcase the music of local jazz and rock bands.

"Clearly Friday night is going to be a big night, I think that's the one time when more people will come out, it will be the big draw," Todd Andrews, organizing committee chairman, said Wednesday at a meeting in "But the intent for the next day is to really get people into the community in ways that they don't normally interact."

The following Sunday is the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center and will feature an outdoor memorial service at the La Cañada Presbyterian Church.

Spotlighting , , Verdugo Hills Hospital and a number of community organizations is a key goal for event organizers.

"We all know we have some great institutions in town, but we rarely do anything but drive right past them," Andrews said. "So the idea is for everybody to know that they're open that day—you can see one, you can see five—but it's just good to know that they're all open and available to the community. All of them are doing something a little bit special."

So What's Happening?

Those with a penchant for volunteering and working outdoors can take advantage of opportunities with the , which will supervise a Saturday morning trail maintenance session, and La Cañada Valley Beautiful's lavender trimming on Foothill Boulevard.

will host ceramic bowl decoration and glazing for an annual fundraising project, and the local Tournament of Roses Association will welcome volunteers to work on the city's 2012 parade float.

Andrews described the event in a statement as "an off-the-cuff observation about the oddity of a date matching a zip code, a unique zip code at that, [that] has grown into a really exciting community event.''

He added that the city council immediately engaged and supported the idea when a number of organizations pulled together in a true grassroots effort.

Enthusiastic Response

Councilwoman Laura Olhasso, a member of the organizing committee, said Andrews approached her with the idea a couple months ago. She then contacted representatives from various community organizations including Pat Anderson, La Cañada Flintridge Chamber of Commerce president, who all responded enthusiastically.

"Events like this are good for business because it brings awareness to spending locally, and ... it brings awareness to what businesses are in town," Anderson said. "And that should translate into more foot traffic through the doors for our businesses, and that's always a good thing. This is also another way for businesses to advertise themselves."

Shops and restaurants have come on board for the "Zip Along the Boulevard" portion of the event that will offer special 9.10.11 menu items as well as gift basket drawings and store sales.

Andrews said the council approved up to $5,000 to cover event costs, and the organizing committee is selling promotional T-shirts for $5.

See the attached flyer for a full explanation of all activities and special shopping and dining offers.