Sundar Shadi’s Gifts at the Cerrito, Saturday, November 14 at 11:00 a.m.

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On Saturday, November 14 at 11:00 a.m. the Cerrito Theater will show “Sundar Shadi’s Gifts.” The movie tells the story of long-time El Cerrito resident Sundar Shadi, his folk art Christmas display and his other contributions to the community.

For decades Mister Shadi put on an annual holiday display in the lot next to his home on Arlington Boulevard in El Cerrito. It grew quite elaborate over time, with stars, shepherds, sheep, camels and an angel. Mister Shadi made most of the figures with his own hands, and for years did most of the work of putting it up. The display became such an attraction that the police had to direct the traffic past it every night. Mister Shadi did this out of love for his community. He lived to the age of 101, and kept the display going nearly to the end. Since then, the display has been taken over by Soroptimists International of El Cerrito, and is seen every year on the PG&E right-of-way adjacent to Moeser Lane.

“Sundar Shadi’s Gifts” was produced by the City of El Cerrito and KCRT Channel 28. The movie will be free of charge. Donations to the El Cerrito Community Foundation will be accepted at the door.