Ring in the Christmas Season Saturday, 1 December, 6:15 pm at Windward Circle with the 7th Annual Venice Sign Lighting. Who will be the celebrity guest this year?
(Photo courtesy of anonymous.)
Venice Chamber of Commerce, who handles the sign, says Happy Cinco de Mayo.
The Venice Sign that hangs at Windward and Pacific takes on the special season occasions without any prior notification. This is the first heart for the sign. George Francisco, president of Venice Chamber of Commerce and vice-president of Venice Neighborhood Council, and his little band of nite-lighters do it without fanfare for Venice. St. Patrick’s Day is coming … just a hint for Venice Sign fans.
The Fifth Annual changing of the lights on the Venice Sign from white to red and green in celebration of the holidays is tonight, 2 December, from 6 to 9 pm at Windward and Pacific. Windward Avenue east of Pacific Avenue will be closed for the event. Who will be the special guest?
Venie the Venquin arrived earlier this week in Windward Circle for the event. This is the second time “it” has arrived signaling the upcoming “changing of the lights” ceremony for the Venice Sign. The event is sponsored by the Venice Chamber of Commerce.
The Venice sign at Pacific and Windward, which reflects the event or the season, will, for the first time, go “rainbow” Friday night in celebration of Venice’s First LGBTQ Pride Weekend. The lights will stay rainbow for the month of June in celebration of LGBTQ Pride Month. (The added “Q” to the alphabet pride weekend name stands for questioning or questionable, just in case you questioned the use of the “Q.”)
For a history of how this weekend came about and the part Danny Samakow, owner of Danny’s restaurant, former Councilman Bill Rosendahl, Roosterfish played in conception of this Gay Pride weekend, read the 2 June edition of the Argonaut “Pride Lives On.”
Councilman Mike Bonin and a special guest will light the historic Venice sign.
“I am excited and elated to be a part of the first Venice LGBT Pride celebration,” said Bonin, who represents Venice and is one of three openly gay elected officials currently serving in Los Angeles. “For more than 100 years, Venice has been known as a place of diversity and tolerance. For decades, it was a home and a safe haven for the gay community, and having a special pride celebration in Venice is long overdue. I am particularly grateful to Grant Turck and Daniel Samakow for conceiving the event, and to George Francisco and so many others who are working with them to make it happen.”
The Venice Pride Sign Lighting and Block Party will benefit The Trevor Project, and is hosted by Bonin, the Venice Chamber of Commerce and the City of Los Angeles. In addition to the sign lighting ceremony, more than 1,000 expected guests will enjoy a free block party with music by DJ Victor Rodriguez. The event will also feature special posthumous recognition of Bill Rosendahl, the first openly gay man elected to the Los Angeles City Council, as well as an award for 17-year-old Shear Avory, a trans youth advocate and organizer. The event was conceived by Daniel Samakow and Grant Turk and made possible through the partnership of Bonin and Venice Chamber of Commerce Vice President George Francisco.
WHO:
Mike Bonin, Los Angeles City Councilmember, Council District 11
Grant Turck, Co-Chair, Venice Pride
George Francisco, Co-Chair, Venice Pride
Daniel Samakow, Owner, Danny’s Venice
Shear Avory, Trans Youth Advocate and Organizer, Venice Pride Pioneer Award Recipient
Victor Rodriguez, DJ
WHEN: Friday, June 3, 2016
7:00 pm Block Party
7:45 pm Pre-lighting Ceremony
8:15 pm Sign Lighting
8:20 pm Block Party continues
WHERE: Windward Avenue (between Pacific Avenue and Park Row)
121 Windward Avenue
Venice, CA 90291
(Photo courtesy of Venice Chamber of Commerce and Venice Paparazzi.)
Yes, the bulbs in the Venice sign are up for adoption. Each bulb needs adoption, and according to George Francisco, vice president of Venice chamber of commerce, there are 87.
Each bulb is $200. The money will be used to maintain the sign. With that $200, one can choose the bulb he wants to adopt, and his name, organization, etc. will be on a plaque that will be hung in Danny’s restaurant at 23 Windward Ave.
Abbot Kinney introduced the world to Venice on 4th of July 1905 and spanning across Windward and Pacific was the three-foot high letters spelling VENICE and it was lighted with electricity.
In 2007, the Venice Sign Restoration Project recreated and installed the replica of this historic sign. Since that time the Venice Chamber has been responsible for the sign and for protecting its trademark.
Year-round the Venice Chamber of Commerce raises funds to support the maintenance of the Venice sign. Chamber will get money from the Adopt-a-Bulb program, as well as direct donations, and licensing fees. This affords the Chamber to provide for inspections and repairs to ensure that the Venice sign remains a safe and beautiful symbol for all to enjoy.
To adopt that special bulb, contact Donna Lasman, executive director, at 310-822-5425.
Yes, licensing fees!!! The Venice sign is a registered trademark of the Chamber. If you want to use the sign in any form of published media, call 310-822-5425 or email info@venicechamber.net.