The Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair may be canceled this year, but it has a lively online presence and a witty new slogan for this year's merchandise: "So unFAIR."

The merchandise, created by local designer and illustrator Zack Mendoza, is now for sale at the MB Hometown Fair's merchandise page. Items for sale include t-shirts, tank tops, hoodies, mugs, and hats, with prices ranging from $9.99 to $42.99.

"It’s been a longstanding tradition to offer merchandise that’s unique, relevant and artistic," Joe Marcy, president of the Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair association, told DigMB. "So many talented local artists have participated in this tradition and we’re thrilled to have Zack Mendoza’s art on our merchandise this year. The design really speaks to our community and the challenges we face together. It’s a time in history we’ll never forget."

Marcy credited the fair's director of merchandise, Anne Kelly, for finding unique artists and products. He added that a new year called for new traditions.

"Times have changed and so have we," he said, noting that the fair had launched its first-ever online store this year. "The fair has sentimental value for families around the world, and now they have access to our merchandise. Shirts, hats and mugs are our best sellers. Some fair-goers have a collection of mugs that date back to the 1970s. We listened to our customers and
added tanks and hoodies into the rotation."

"You don’t want to miss out on this collection, Marcy added. "Consider it a souvenir from this unpredictable year. For many of us, it’s a reminder that better days are ahead."

Designer Zack Mendoza has done creative work for Skechers, the Los Angeles Marathon, and more.

"This design was really inspired by the year's unfortunate pandemic," Mendoza told DigMB. "A bright, limited color palette was my first thought when i was given the opportunity to create this for the MB Fair. I wanted to create something with fun and uplifting colors that can give a positive feeling to everyone."

Mendoza added that even though the pandemic has created tough times, he wanted to have some fun with the design. 

"This summer has been a summer unlike any other, from not leaving the house without a mask on to social distancing at our favorite outdoor places," he said. "It's been an 'unFAIR' year, but it's not going to stop us from having some fun at this year's Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair."

Shirt orders placed by September 18 will arrive by fair weekend, October 3 and 4. There will be a merchandise tent in Downtown Manhattan Beach on October 3 and 4 for the community to pick up orders. (Shipping is also available.)

Community members are urged to wear their merchandise during the fair weekend and
share photos with hashtag #mbhometownfair.

"While the fair may not happen in the traditional way, rest assured that we’ll have a strong community presence the first weekend of October," said Marcy.