Two recent occurrences sweetened my lemonade.
The first was the launching of the city’s ambitious plan to construct the Main Street Promenade. This long-awaited redevelopment project will radically change the look and feel of the Grove’s center core. I really like the planners’ mixed pedestrian uses for the space. Finally—an open-air spot in town where vibrant events can be staged in the “Best Climate on Earth.”
In a former life I was a special events planner creating elaborate theme parties for corporate clients. After reviewing a PDF of the city’s plan for this new public space, it becomes clear to me that this could be a perfect destination for many types of outdoor public events. This will be the place for a food fair, farmers market, and any manner of festival.
The real beauty of the Main Street Promenade is that it is at the trolley stop. As they say in real estate—location, location, location. You can come to our parties by rail! Step out the trolley door, and you have arrived. No driving or parking required for fun. With the right enticements, the promenade could attract visitors from all over the region to attend a wide variety of events.
I am thinking this is going to put Lemon Grove on the map in a good way.
Obviously, we would need some sort of “Giant Lemon” day or weekend. All things lemony could be featured, along with good food and great music. I would visit the limoncello booth, and maybe buy a clever lemon squeezer. What are your lemon-centric ideas?
The other sweetener for me was the revival of Lemon Grove’s theatrical tradition. Last weekend we completed a successful six-show run of the melodrama He Ain’t Done Right By Nell! along with the staged reading of On The Loose In Baja. The performances were presented by the , in memory of the Lemon Grove Theatre Guild of 1934-36.
The staged reading was well received by the audience. It featured noted Grove resident memories of adventures with her husband around Baja California in the 1960s.
At the melodrama, the crowds cheered for the hero, hissed at the villain, and applauded the inevitable happy ending. Historical Society president Helen Ofield deserves kudos for adapting the play to include real Lemon Grove locations and characters from the city’s past.
I was lucky enough to be in both shows. The experience was great, and I made some new friends. The cast, crew, and director did a wonderful job in bringing the plays to life. Check out the photos from the shows.
Maybe next year we can stage a performance at the new Main Street Promenade. The time has come to grow the community—and have some fun!
