Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair Preview: What's New, What's Coming Back
Sep 30, 2023 10:43PM ● By Jeanne Fratello
MB News: What's new at the fair this year?
MB News: What are some of the fan-favorite highlights that we can expect to see again?
Dana Old: Of course we will have our traditional opening parade on Saturday morning at 10:00 a.m.
There will also be 200+ arts and crafts booths, food booths, and paid games. Then we have free games such as the Diaper Derby and Ping Pong Tournament. We'll have prizes donated by local companies Baskin Robbins, Bella Beach Kids, California Pizza Kitchen, Fresh Brothers, Gum Tree, Islands, Johnny Rockets, REI, and Treasured Moments Photography.
At Kid
Country, the inflatable jumpers are back, as well as the pony rides, the petting zoo, a magic
show, an animal show, plus a balloon artist both days from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
There will also be the traditional Community Showcase performances and art show.
MB News: Will there be a parking shuttle?
Dana Old: Parking at the beach is always at a premium, so we provide our visitors with free parking and free shuttle buses. This is the quickest and easiest way to drive to the fair.
The
2023 Parking and Shuttle pick up location is at the Kinecta Rosecrans parking lot, located at 1440 Rosecrans Ave in Manhattan Beach.
The shuttle hours run from 6:30 a.m.* to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, and from 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Sunday. The shuttle will run approximately every 20-30 minutes throughout each day.
(*Editor's note: On Saturday, one shuttle will run at 6:30 a.m. for vendors. The shuttle will then start operating again at about 9:00 a.m. after the conclusion of the Manhattan Beach 10K race.)
MB News: How can someone volunteer for the fair? Is there an area of greatest need?
Dana Old: We are happy to accept volunteers, ages 12+, and students can earn community service credits for volunteering. All volunteers receive a Fair Volunteer T-shirt. You can sign up at https://volunteersignup.org/JQYPB. We are still looking for some help in Kid Country.
MB News: You probably aren't ready to think about "after the fair" yet, but after the fair, where do the proceeds go?
Dana Old: The proceeds from the fair are directed to civic engagement, event execution and scholarships and grants to non-profit civic and booster organizations, and deserving local students. Last year, the fair awarded three scholarships to Mira Costa High School seniors, and we hope to increase the scholarships next year with funds raised from the silent auction.
(Editor's note: Last year, the Hometown Fair silent auction raised $11,826.)
