Business & Tech
Local Businesses React to Sunset Junction Woes
Some Silver Lake merchants have already planned an alternative festival. One is pending in Echo Park too.
With news spreading about the permit denial and likely cancellation of Sunset Junction, businesses in Silver Lake and Echo Park reacted.
Businesses Along the Route Are Resigned
Peaches (no last name given) of along the fair route in Silver Lake seemed resigned. Although the restaurant and bar typically experiences an increase in business, the establishment has accepted that this August could be different. Although the place is “usually busy,” Peaches said, “we’re over it. It is what it is.”
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Anthony Munoz of the Silver Lake heard rumors of another organization taking over Sunset Junction, and that the festival might yet persevere. Scheduled to work this weekend, it would be his first Sunset Junction while doling out ice cream. “I just hope I can find out,” he said, worried about how he’ll get to work if the fair goes forward. “It does get busy, I hear,” he said.
The Cheese Store of Silver Lake, nestled under the Sunset Junction sign, typically closes during the fair. Manager Chris Pollan said that the store would instead be “open this weekend.” But, he sighed, “it’s an unfortunate situation for both sides.”
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Vacation Vinyl, also on Sunset Boulevard, had planned to shut down on Sunday, one of the festival days. But, according to employee George Jensen, no festival will mean the store stays open on Sunday.
Some Silver Lake Merchants Plan Small Alternative Festival
Meantime, the Eastsider is reporting that some Silver Lake merchants have come up with their own alternative, the ad hoc No Function Junction.
Echo Park's faces the most daunting task of all: refunding ticket costs to disappointed patrons. As the one local business actually selling tickets, Origami Vinyl manager Neil Schield has to get in contact with the fair organizers to discuss the logistics of refunds. Although he knows some local residents are “happy” that the festival could be cancelled, he declared it “a bummer for music fans.”
Block Party May Happen in Echo Park Too
In the spirit of Sunset Junction, Schield is reaching out to other local businesses and some of the bands booked for the weekend. He hopes that an impromptu block party can be arranged. “There are still opportunities for a good time,” he said.
Links below take you to highlights of our coverage of this dramatic story:
