Today Claremont has The Village Venture. Sounds a bit like the townsfolks all going for a hike…Pitchforks and torches optional.

But no, it’s kind of equivalent to the art and wine festivals up there in Northern Cal. It’s a big crafty kind of fair. One day only, a bunch of people get out and sell their wares. There are also politicians and community organizatiosn distributing pamphlets(hmm…maybe that’s a selling of wares too).

It takes place on the last Saturday in October, and the close down the streets. It’s mostly an outdoor affair, so there are a lot of dogs in halloween costumes.

It’s fun, and with all the lovely little things for sale you kinda are looking for an excuse to buy them. Christmas is the universal excuse to buy lovely little things.

So we consider the Village Venture to be the official opening of the Christmas Shopping season.