A party to celebrate the spirit of Mission Beach and help its local businesses was started as a wishful idea and is now closer to becoming a reality. January Blues is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 30, and is becoming more feasible as the date nears. “Come play with us. Come celebrate the beauty of where we play and work, and the privilege we have to be here,” said Sally Aderton, co-chair of the event and a real estate agent with AMSI, located on Salem Court. January Blues will be a day-long party from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. It will begin with a walking sea life themed-parade on the boardwalk and west sidewalks of Mission Boulevard. A costume competition is planned, as well as an art and music festival in the parking lot of the Wavehouse in Belmont Park. “We’re gathering people for the community, by the community, with the community,” Aderton said. The Mission Beach Town Council heard the pitch for January Blues at its Jan. 13 meeting, but ultimately did not give its approval. Despite that, Aderton said she has met with city special events administrator Cindy Kodama and will be able to meet the necessary requirements in time for the event. The January Blues plan met opposition when it required the closure of Mission Boulevard during its parade. Aderton said that thanks to the Johnny Leal at Wavehouse – who donated the space, stages and tables for the event – no road closures will be necessary. Aderton is co-chairing January Blues with Shelley Carlson, a hair designer in Mission Beach. Both said they are looking for volunteers to help with various aspects of the event. Money raised at the event will cover all incurred costs, and the leftover money will go toward establishing a Mission Beach merchants association, Aderton said. Aderton plans to create a Merchants of Mission Beach group in February. “There is no organized voice for the merchants in Mission Beach,” Aderton said. “Business is suffering now and we need to promote our businesses now.” For general information about January Blues or to volunteer for the event, e-mail [email protected] or call her at (858) 488-6700, ext. 1001. A website has been created for the event at www.missionbeachjanuaryblues.com.