Main Street is known for a lot of things -- the food scene, the mom and pop businesses -- but this weekend it’ll be known for those things plus… fake money and... perhaps monocles?
The 6th Annual MAINopoly: Taste of Main Street event returns this Sunday, May 26th. From 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., Main restaurants and businesses will band together for a community event that mirrors the classic board game thru a culinary walking tour.
Participants -- some who’ve dressed as Monopoly characters over the years -- will exchange fake MAINopoly dollars for food and beverage tastings at Main restaurants. Those who check off all of the locations on a distributed game board have the chance to win a prize package with gift certificates to participating locations.
The event is held annually to generate exposure to Main Street businesses as well as raise funds for the yearly Summer Soulstice Festival.
Kim Khoury, who helped the Main Street Business Improvement Association come up with the idea for MAINopoly, says the event immerses the community in an interactive and fun way to explore businesses new and old in a constantly evolving Main Street.
“The street needs that engagement right now,” Khoury said. “There’s a been a lot of change -- the street always loses a lot then gains a lot -- but this is a good way to get reacquainted. it’s one of the only local Santa Monica food events that Santa Monica owns.”
Restaurants old and new on Main are excited about the event.
Astro Doughnuts will be one of the more fresh-faced of the businesses on hand, handing out discounts and creme brulee donuts. Astro Operating Partner Art Levitt, a two-decade resident of Santa Monica, says he’s excited about the business’s first time at the event and looks forward to becoming better connected with the city.
“[MAINopoly] is great,” Levitt said via email. “We’re looking forward to opening our doors this weekend and welcoming new and familiar faces to the store and to our outdoor patio. We hope our involvement in this event grows our role in the community-- MAINopoly will offer a way
for locals and travelers alike to experience Main Street in a way they otherwise would not.”
Manchego owner Ash Amir, who has been with the event since its inception, says the annual event reminds him of the “Santa Monica of old” and routinely evokes an international feeling.
“It’s the only activity that sort of reminds of Main Street prior to the big companies moving here,” Amir said. “But I like the homeyness of MAINopoly. People come with family, say hi to neighbors ... It’s a fun day for people to do what I wish we'd do every day, a European lifestyle, bar hopping, eating food, enjoying company. It’s welcoming to everyone.”
For more information and tickets for MAINopoly, visit www.mainopolysm.com or http://mainopolysm2019.eventbrite.com
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