In celebration of the unique place this community calls home, Valley residents congregated at Westfield Fashion Square yesterday to celebrate the San Fernando Valley at “818 Day.”
A valley-wide celebration on August 18 has taken off in recent years to highlight the variety of businesses, landmarks, mom and pop shops and one-of-a-kind-locations that make the San Fernando Valley such a historically noteworthy place.
To honor “818 Day,” a flag was commemorated to highlight the SFV to showcase not only the beauty, but diversity, of this zip code. Created in collaboration between My Valley Pass, The Valley Relics Museum and Westfield Fashion Square, each letter in the flag showcases a classic landmark that is not only recognizable to residents but iconic in putting the 818 on a global showcase. From Bob’s Big Boy to Warner Brothers Studios and Cupid’s Hot Dogs to Circus Liquor, the 17 letters showcase just a small smattering of 818 landmarks.
While the SFV flag project had been underway for quite some time, but like most things got delayed due to the pandemic, the unveiling last evening was extra special. Community members came out to celebrate, perusing local vendors, posing in front of movie cars on display and satisfying their sweet tooth with specially commemorated 818 cookies.
The San Fernando Valley flag, as well as a unique SFV fountain tribute, will be on display at Westfield Fashion Square for a matter of weeks in order for residents to get their own first-hand look. Additionally, placards in the mall’s corridor highlight the letter’s landmarks and go into further detail on the history of each.
The flag will also soon be on sale for businesses or residents wanting to show off their own 818 pride! Proceeds from the sales will support The Valley Relics Museum.
Oscar Urrutia, of My Valley Pass, sums up this commemorative day in saying, “the San Fernando Valley is a place like no other. So much history and accomplishments have come from this area. 818 Day was created as a way to reflect and take a moment to discover new things. From visiting a local museum to trying a new dish at a local eatery. August 18th will be a day for us to come together and celebrate the place we call home.”