Laurel Canyon Photo Day

The time-honored annual Laurel Canyon tradition of "Photo Day" went off without so much as a hitch today. Droves of Canyonites, young and old, came out of their proverbial log cabins to pose for a picture in front of the Canyon Country Store.

As always, a photographer stood on the traffic island at the intersection of Laurel Canyon Blvd. and Kirkwood Dr. trying to capture the hundreds (?) of locals for a group portrait that will hang on the wall of the store alongside other photos from decades gone by.

The difference this year was that Tommy, the owner of the store arranged to have the intersection blocked off by the city. Traditionally, the photographer has had to direct traffic and the locals 'boo' any cars that don't stop to allow the photo to be taken. Another change this year: the many Canyon canines were relegated to the parking lot.

As always, a band including Canyon Store clerk Brad played. Lilly's coffee cart remained opened and was a central hub for the event. And of course the "Canyon carnies," in their top hats jumped up onto the traffic light pole...and snap...the moment was immortalized in a sweltering heat (which strangely always seems to plague the annual October event).