Anjelica Huston Flips Switch on Second Venice Sign Holiday Lighting

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 5, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Academy Award-winning Actress and longtime Venice resident Anjelica Huston to flip switch on at Second Venice Sign Holiday Lighting & Windward Crawl this Friday, Los Angeles City Councilmember Mike Bonin announced today. The free event hosted by the City of Los Angeles and the Venice Chamber of Commerce will see the historic Venice Sign, first erected over 100 years ago by Abbot Kinney, transformed into a holiday spectacle of red-and-green lights for all to enjoy.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131205/PH28333-a )

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131205/PH28333-b )

"Venice is such a vibrant community full of wonderful people, I thought it was a real shame that Venice never really had any official community gathering to celebrate the start of the holidays," remarked L.A. restaurateur Daniel Samakow who hatched the idea for the now annual event last year. "The Venice Sign lighting is our version of a tree lighting."

The event starts at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, December 6th, with performances by local music groups, followed by the ceremonial flip of the switch by Anjelica Huston and Mike Bonin at 8:00 p.m. and a dramatic appearance by Old St. Nick himself.

Attendees are encouraged to bring new, unwrapped children's toys to benefit "The Muscle Beach Toy Drive" -- a Venice tradition sponsored by the Los Angeles Police Department's Pacific Division.

"Venice is a wonderful, creative and distinct community and I am excited to join neighbors as we celebrate the holidays in our own wonderful, creative and distinct way," said Bonin. "The sign lighting is a terrific event and I am looking forward to being a part of the ceremony."

WHAT:
Second Venice Sign Holiday Lighting & Windward Crawl presented by Hotel Erwin, Townhouse Bar, the Venice Neighborhood Council and the Venice Symphony Orchestra

WHEN:
December 6, 2013 at 6:00 p.m.

Entertainment - 6:00 p.m.
Media Check-in - 6:45 p.m.
Presentation - 7:45 p.m.
Ceremonial Lighting - 8:00 p.m.

WHERE:
Windward Avenue (East of Pacific Ave. & West of Main St.)

Media Check-in/Parking:
Bank of America
121 Windward Ave.
Venice, CA 90291

WHO:      
Anjelica Huston, Actress, Venice Resident
Mike Bonin, Los Angeles City Councilmember
Alex Rosales, President, Venice Chamber of Commerce
Daniel Samakow, Chair, Venice Chamber of Commerce Boardwalk Committee
Santa Claus

Entertainment:
Flight 2DA Light
John Vester, Maria Vester and Jim West
Venice Symphony Orchestra
Dustbowl Revival

VISUALS:
In addition to the ceremonial flipping of the switch, post-lighting festivities will include a dramatic appearance by Old St. Nick himself from high above the street below! Pre-lighting festivities will include performances by local musical groups. Local businesses will also be decorated for the holidays. Press positions are available for the pre-lighting ceremony and ceremonial lighting.

***Those interested in following the event on social networks can do so on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/TheVeniceSign) and on Twitter and Instagram using #venicesign.

Press Contact:
Grant Turck
(310) 463-5643
Email

Read more news from Venice Chamber of Commerce.

SOURCE City of Los Angeles; Venice Chamber of Commerce