Montrose Shopping Park shoppers on Saturday were treated to a gift of a Valentine’s Day rose presented by Charlie Chaplin (actress Audrey Ruttan).  The free long-stemmed roses were a big hit for passersby, and made possible by the Montrose Shopping Park Association.

From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the corner of Ocean View Boulevard and Honolulu Avenue, “Charlie” worked the crowd in pantomime and many rose recipients were heard to say, “You made my day!” or “You made me smile.”

With a flower cart as a backdrop, rented from a Hollywood prop company, “Charlie” gave away 500 beautiful roses, perhaps launching a Montrose Valentine’s Day tradition.

Shoppers could also take pictures with a cut-out “kissing booth” photo spot while acoustic guitarist Dave Winstone sang romantic love songs.

Next up for the Montrose Shopping Park is the annual Founders Day celebration on Sunday, Feb. 22 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.