Julian Merchants Association Holds Open House at Mountain Beadworks
By Amber Ward

Merchants Association members at the Mountain Beadworks open house. Tracy Turner, Bobbi Zane and Leena Hannonen. Photos by Amber Ward

The Julian Merchants Association offers an open house at a different location each month. The idea is to give those who work during the day an opportunity to visit and support local businesses after hours.

The July open house was held at Mountain Beadworks and hosted by owners Patty and Dale Strong. The evening consisted of lots of "oohs and awes" over the Mountain Beadworks merchandise,

and was complemented with jazzy music and wonderful refreshments.

There were several local business owners and community members in attendance along with an appearance by Miss Julian, Katie Olsen, and Teen Miss Julian, Kasie Engelman, with her court.

After plenty of socializing,

Jo Rafetto from California Overland Desert Excursions and Melinda Booth from the California Wolf Center spontaneously invited all those in attendance to take a tour of the Wolf Center in the authentic open-air military vehicle used for desert tours.

Merchants Association members at the Mountain Beadworks open house. Patty Strong, owner of Mountain Beadworks.

The nextopen house is set for 5 to 7 p.m. Aug. 21, and will take placeat Menghini Winery.