Bloc Party

Merchants association has its neighborhood’s mojo workin’

Comments (0) By Sloane Burwell Thursday, Mar 13 2008

Say the word “Melrose” to anyone older than 25 and it evokes one thing: the campy, deliciously tacky TV drama brought to you by Aaron Spelling. The good folks at the Seventh Avenue Merchants Association (SAMA) are adding “shopping” and “street fest” to that mix with the Melrose on 7th Ave Street Fair and Car Show. The seventh annual event is expected to draw about 10,000 attendees.

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“It’s something you don’t see a lot in Phoenix — street closures for festivals, with lots of people walking around,” says Jon Douglas, owner of Figs and one of SAMA’s event planners. “It’s all about shopping the curve.”

The curve Douglas refers to is the swirly stretch of Seventh Avenue north of Indian School Road, which will be closed for the event. The fest will feature live bands, more than 140 vendors, and a car show featuring vintage and antique convertibles and muscles. Also watch for SAMA members handing out free Mardi Gras-style beads — no flashing required.

“[The event] is family-friendly — we’re a boob-free street,” says Douglas. Aaron Spelling would be shocked.

Sat., March 15, 3-9 p.m., 2008