Los Angeles, California -  Brad Sherman, a thirty two year old advertising executive from Studio City, left his apartment this morning at 7:32 a.m.  Once out in the open, Sherman saw his breath, to the delight of the crowd gathered to watch this annual tradition.  “Six more weeks!” cheered Angela Green, a waitress from West Hollywood.

This is Sherman’s third year as the Angelino.  According to local tradition, when the Angelino sees his breath that means there are only six weeks left until swimsuit season. Harry Tessup, 52, a local historian, has been to every Angelino Day event for the last 23 years.  “I first went with my dad when I was just six or seven,” Tessup told The Leaky Wiki, “Ever since then, I’ve been in love with the tradition.”  As are many other locals, for whom this quaint tradition has special significance.

Every year, dozens crowd together, huddled against temperatures as low as 50 degrees, just waiting to catch a glimpse of the Angelino.  “I just can’t wait for the weather to heat up,” said Angela Green.  This is a sentiment shared with many of the other attendees.  “It’s so cold I have to wear layers!” declared John Reson, a line cook from Century City.

Cheers and sighs of relief fill the air when Sherman leaves his domicile.  He rubs his hands together, exhales and looks surprised and slightly confused as the vapor rises in front of his face.  More cheers from the crowd.   After Sherman drives off, the crowd begins to disperse.  As he climbs into his car, John Reson says, “Just six more weeks!  Thank god.  Three months of wearing sweaters and shit is too long.”

Photo courtesy of iamchad on the flickr.com creative commons