ARLINGTON — The ancient tradition of offering deep discounts to get the shopping season off to a good start continued Saturday, Nov. 1.

Flowers by George once again got all decked out and offered a spread of cookies baked by George Boulton himself to reward their loyal customers.

Along with mocha floats and cookies at the flower shop, there was also live music on the other side of the street, when Laurie Breon, of Kent Prairie Elementary School, directed her young singers, Choir on Fire, on the sidewalk. The crowd of spectators overflowed into the street, where North Olympic Avenue was filled with parked cars from First to Fifth streets and beyond.

While the Holiday Open House is a long-time tradition of the Boultons, various members of the Downtown Arlington Business Association joined the party again this year, primarily in the 300 block. Participants included Favorite Pastimes, New Beginnings, The Quiltmakers Shoppe, and across the street, the Pacific Learning Solutions School Box bookstore. Carla Lowe reopened her Little Italy Trattoria to sell off some more stuff in her going-out-of-business sale. Down the way, Super Saturday attracted another crowd for bargains at Arlington Hardware Store and The Local Scoop served crab cakes, too.

DABA is in the process of seeking new officers for next year, with nominations currently in process. Downtown business people are encouraged to volunteer to serve this organization which plans events monthly to attract customers into historical downtown Arlington. For information call the outgoing president, Jeanne Watanabe 360-403-8334.