With a few new stores to support and enhance an eclectic, fun, quaint, and whimsical base, and though we’ve recently said goodbye to some favorites, South Pas exemplifies a creative soul…who’s just turned 125.

On it’s birthday, South Pas decided upon an “interactive art installation” at the corner of Fremont and Mission where a chain link fence guards an empty lot (which transforms into a pumpkin patch or a Christmas tree lot at the appropriate times).

The idea for the art activity was to have residents express their “wishes, hopes and dreams for (their) community’s future.” Not all of the wishes are for the greater good per se, but perhaps the thought—conscious or unconscious—was that if a person is happy and fulfilled, then the ripple effect out into his or her community has a positive influence; what a happy consequence! (That might be a stretch, but hey, it was a party.)

Some of the sentiments are predictable, some thoughtful, touching, poignant, funny, and some are even bizarre. We enjoyed it thoroughly.

 Happy Birthday, South Pasadena!