Speaking of the Echo Park Animal Alliance, it's a big week in the United States with Black Friday done and Christmas/Hannukah before us. A lot of great events in Echo Park this weekend, too many good ones, in fact.

One happening that Chicken Corner never misses is the EPAA's fundraiser dog-portrait-with-Santa event at Peter Shire's studio. You can have your photo taken Saturday or Sunday during the day. It's part of Peter Shire's studios annual sale/reception, which includes about five vendors. Last year, I washed my dog, Rosie, on the morning of her portrait. I thought she would sun-dry, but by the time we had run errands and got to the studio her fur was still wet. So we have a 2007 picture of a smiling Santa and a smiling Rosie with wet fur. Fortunately, it wasn't cold out. This year, I plan to bathe her a day in advance.

If you haven't received info on Echo Park Pottery's three-day open house sale holiday party, it goes something like this: Friday evening (that's tonight), cocktails and unusual ceramics for sale, Gary Leonard photographs, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.. Saturday: Main day of the sale/party, daytime hours, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.. Sunday, "surprise" merchandize, dazetime hours, 1-5. 1850 Echo Park Ave.

More events (despite the economy):

*Tonight: Free and open to everyone -- 6 p.m. Children and adults caroling and a holiday walk/march toward Walgreens on Sunset. Meets at the Echo Park Lake boat house on Echo Park Ave, acros from the great purple tower of the Episcopal Church. Ending with 1st Annual Christmas Tree lighting.

*At the Echo Park Film Center, Saturday (12/6) the premiere of the new film made by EPFC kids in collaboration with 826 LA. It's a potluck affair, so you might want to bring a lucky pot of stew or cookies.

What they wrote:

Working with young writers at 826LA, EPFC students between the ages of 13 and 18 brought four short screenplays from stage to screen in eleven short weeks. Come celebrate the results at this community potluck and free screening at 826LA: 1714 W. Sunset Blvd., LA 90026. POTLUCK AT 6 PM; SCREENING AT 7 PM. Q & A TO FOLLOW. FREE! EVERYONE WELCOME! FILMMAKERS IN ATTENDANCE!

*My friend Cindy Bennett, who took the above photo of Rosie the dog, is having her first of several Holiday Lounges this Saturday at her gallery, North Hill Exhibitions, in Chinatown. From 12 to 6 p.m. For sale will be limited edition archival prints, organic cotton T-s specially designed, lampshades. There will be hot apple cider. 945 North Hill St., Chinatown.

And now Chicken Corner is too stuffed with this weekend's holiday information to cluck about any more!