Last year our neighborhood had about 150 LED metal-framed monkeys hanging in windows and from awnings and trees as a way to promote local businesses during the holidays and tie in with Woodland Park Zoo’s WildLights.
This year the monkey troop has grown by 50, to more than 200, and they’re already starting to pop up around the neighborhood. Businesses and individuals sponsor each monkey for $25, which helps pay for materials and holiday community events. It’s all organized by the Phinney Neighborhood Association Business Group. The monkeys will be lit on Saturday, Nov. 28, and remain illuminated until New Year’s.
Red Mill Burgers and Starbucks were overrun with monkeys last year.
The monkeys now have their own website, MonkeyWood.org, which lists a host of new monkey-related activities and “red monkey Wednesday” specials offered during the month of December, from discounts at the Zoo Store to monkey punch at El Chupacabra, Naked City’s monkey-themed beer-food tastings and Pete’s Egg Nest’s free banana with each meal order. The website also has information on a monkey scavenger hunt for ages 12 and under, with prizes from local businesses, plus info on saving receipts from neighborhood businesses for a chance to win $100 restaurant gift cards.
On Friday, Dec. 11, as part of the monthly Artwalk, an Emerald City Trolley will drive up and down Phinney and Greenwood avenues between the zoo and North 87th Street to make it easier for folks to see all the monkeys and get to Artwalk locations. The trolley will run from 6-10 p.m. Cost for unlimited rides is $1, or show your WildLights ticket.
