By Ruth SOWBY

So read an ad (above) paid for by the Montrose Shopping Park Association. True to the Association’s word, on Saturday near the intersection of Ocean View Boulevard and Honolulu Avenue, more than 170 shops, salons and cafes were open with plenty of free parking. Handing out free long-stemmed roses was none other than “Charlie Chaplin” (as interpreted by Audrey Ruttan). Dozens of families, singles and sweeties dropped by to find a gift for their Valentine and say hello to Charlie. 

Another draw was $10 in Montrose scrip in exchange for shopping park receipts totaling $50 or more. Shoppers brought their receipts to the flower cart at Ocean View and Honolulu. They received the $10 scrip, which can be spent anytime in local shops.  

Holding down the fort were representatives from the Montrose Shopping Park Association. Business Administer and Events Coordinator Dale Dawson and man-about-town Steve Pierce were on hand to greet shoppers and help Charlie if needed.  

According to Dawson, 500 roses would be handed out between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Over the seven years of the event, 3500 roses have been given to Montrose Shopping Park shoppers. Each year, the roses are flown in from Bogota, Columbia.     

Dawson and Pierce were busy picking off rose thorns. Pierce said humorously, “It’s a thorny issue.”   

Dawson, without missing a beat, answered, “I’m ruining my manicure.”