ARTS, CULTURE CHANGING SHOPPING EXPERIENCE AT A.V. MALLS, CENTERS.

Byline: Karen Thacker Community Columnist

Providing entertainment as well as a place to shop seems to be the norm these days for most shopping centers.

It used to be that background music was the entertainment, but now malls and strips are trying for something more - especially on weekends.

``We want it to be more of an experience than just a shopping trip,'' said Fred Walters, Antelope Valley Mall general manager.

For the Antelope Valley Mall there are usually weekend events. The latest crowd draw was a free six-week run of vocalists singing songs from the Broadway musical drama ``Les Miserables.''

A Phantom of the Opera-Halloween theme will run through October and a ``Seasonal Spectacular'' is lined up for December.

At the Lancaster Factory Stores on a recent weekend, there were two bands playing for all and free rides, a balloon bounce and Popsicles for those making a $10 or more purchase. Two Siberian tigers were also on hand for viewing.

``The Antelope Valley is full of families,'' said Sandy Flowers, Factory Stores' general manager. ``And our stores cater to all age groups.''

The bands are a special treat for the kids because they typically play only in clubs where there is an age limit, Flowers said.

Any time a shopping center can fill up with cars, even if the patrons don't buy anything, it's a good move because of the exposure, managers say. Perhaps they'll come back next time to make purchases.

``Being able to provide arts and culture to the community is great,'' Walters said.

It also increases traffic and sales and makes the merchants happy.

The Lancaster Factory Stores will have exhibition roller hockey games in the parking lot over Labor Day weekend and Formula One Airplanes will be on display in early October. These are the ones taking part in the Fox Field Air Races and are provided by Nemesis Air Group.

November will bring a vintage car display.

LANCASTER - Desert Haven Enterprises, which helps train and find employment for adults with developmental disabilities, handed out awards at their annual banquet to honor people and businesses who have made outstanding contributions to the nonprofit organization.

Employees of the Year were Peggy Goad, Martha Knight and Steve Mitchell. Consumers of the Year were James Mitchell, James Wilson and Victoria Bartels.

Art Ekizian and his late wife, Marilyn, were honored with the Bozigian Award for years of generosity and service toward the benefit auction. Patty Sprinkle, Desert Haven's director of human resources, received a special award for 10 years of service.

The Henstra Award, for outstanding service and leadership to the organization, went to executive director Jenni Moran and associate director Brian Doe.

The Friends of Desert Haven Award went to Bill Budlong, executive director of the Antelope Valley Transit Authority.

Volunteer of the Year Award to Karen Long, volunteer receptionist, Past Service Award to Lou and Nellie Bozigian, board directors and Distinguished Service Award, Larry Grooms, editor in chief at the Antelope Valley Press.

Employer of the Year was Cinemark Movies 12 in Lancaster, where three employees were placed, and Contractor of the Year was Frank Enterante, president of Arrowhead Brass in Los Angeles.

The President's Award went to Jim Moran, local account manager for Coca-Cola USA and three-time chairman of the Desert Haven Auction.

New board officers are Lou Bozigian, president; Sandy Price, vice president; and Don Riz, treasurer/secretary. Board members-at-large added were Dick Anderson, Burt Dike, Judy Gray, Mare Herbert, Jim Jeffra, Ken Mann, Bob Montague, Alice Ritz, Bob Seres and Dr. Harry Taylor.