On the heels of the fun-filled Safe Trick or Treat event, the
Morgan Hill community can look ahead to the Poppy Jasper Film
Festival and Hometown Holidays parade and tree lighting to round
out the winter holidays in downtown.
By Dan Craig
Morgan Hill Downtown Association Executive Director
On the heels of the fun-filled Safe Trick or Treat event, the Morgan Hill community can look ahead to the Poppy Jasper Film Festival and Hometown Holidays parade and tree lighting to round out the winter holidays in downtown.
The Morgan Hill Downtown Association’s 2005 Safe Trick or Treat event downtown again exceeded expectations. Attendees enjoyed a spectacular warm, fall evening found only in California I’m sure. Conservative attendance estimates on the based on the amount of candy distributed is at least 2,500 children along with their families and friends. Sixty-four businesses participated as candy hosts, providing the baskets of goodies for our costumed friends.
We finally took the leap and closed the streets which allowed community minded businesses and organizations to think more creatively. Morgan Hill Bible Church stepped up and donated five special attractions to provide more for the children to enjoy. Nora Monaco of Angelstar set up a fright site at 1st and Monterey, and donated the feed for the petting zoo set up by Sobrato FFA led by Lindsey Kovach.
This was truly a community event, free of charge to the public thanks to our generous sponsors and volunteers from downtown businesses.
Coming this weekend, Nov.11-13, is the 2nd annual Poppy Jasper Film Festival. Thirty juried short movies from California film makers will be shown at various Morgan Hill venues including the historic Granada Theatre downtown. Besides film viewing, workshops will be offered in acting, directing and cinematography by industry professionals including a “Women in Film” panel and featuring Bud S. Smith as the keynote speaker.
According to event organizer Kim Bush last year’s festival was a big hit and this year’s festival will be better than ever.
“This year we’re building on that success, bringing an even more entertaining, fun, and rewarding experience for film lovers and filmmakers alike,” said Bush.
Smith, the academy award nominated film editor who has worked on some of Hollywood’s biggest blockbusters including the Exorcist, Karate Kid and Ladder 49, will speak Saturday, Nov. 12 at 7p.m. at the Granada Theatre. A complete schedule of films, workshops and ticket packages can be found at the official festival web site www.poppyjasperfilmfest.org. Tickets are available at the Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce downtown office at 17450 Monterey Road or the MHAT offices 82 E. 2nd St. Both locations are open 8am to 5pm. According to organizers tickets are selling briskly. Make sure you don’t miss out on this exciting weekend event.
Looking ahead to the holidays, make sure you mark you calendar for the Saturday, Dec. 3 Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting brought to downtown by Hometown Holidays, Inc. a private non profit organization made up of community groups including Kiwanis, Rotary, City of Morgan Hill and the Morgan Hill Downtown Association, Morgan Hill Teacher’s Aide Association and other individual business donors. Holiday trees decorated by local schools will be on display at 4pm followed by the Kiwanis Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting at 5:30pm. The event wraps up on First Street where Santa’s Magic Ship will dock with Santa on board for free visits and refreshments. For general information you may contact the Morgan Hill Downtown Association at 408-779-3190.
Enjoy your downtown as we wrap up 2005. And don’t forget downtown for your holiday shopping. Happy Holidays!
Dan Craig is the Executive Director of the Morgan Hill Downtown Association.
