Monrovia : Old Town Festival on Fridays

The City Council on Tuesday approved the closure of downtown Myrtle Avenue on Friday nights for a farmers market/street festival that merchants hope will revive business in the depressed Old Town district.

Some business owners said they fear that the festival, patterned on a similar event in San Dimas, will drive away regular customers and tie up parking downtown.

But David Gayman, president of the Old Town Merchants’ Assn., said 85% of the 95 retailers in the downtown area favor the idea.

The weekly festival will begin Aug. 7 and run through the day after Thanksgiving, Gayman said.

Myrtle Avenue will be closed between Olive and Lime avenues from 4 to 10 p.m. Fridays for the event, which will include outdoor food booths, farm-fresh produce, craft sales, children’s activities and entertainment.