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'Virtual' Hometown Fair A Success; $10,000 in Grants Awarded

Oct 05, 2020 10:54AM ● By Jeanne Fratello
The Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair has carried off its first-ever "virtual" fair, while fulfilling its pledge of $10,000 in grants to local organizations.

"The virtual fair was a resounding success," MB Hometown Fair Association President Joe Marcy told DigMB.  "225 bids were placed in our silent auction which helped put us over the $10,000 mark.  In merchandise - shirts, mugs and hats sold out quickly over the weekend."

The grant recipients include:

  • Girl Scout Troop 3525
  • Manhattan Beach Community Emergency Response Team Association
  • Manhattan Beach Community Church
  • Manhattan Beach Historical Society
  • Manhattan Beach Troop 713
  • Mira Costa High School Band
  • Mira Costa High School Boys Lacrosse
  • Mira Costa High School Boys Soccer
  • Mira Costa High School Girls Basketball
  • Mira Costa High School Girls Golf
  • Mira Costa High School Girls Lacrosse
  • Mira Costa High School Girls Soccer
  • Mira Costa High School Latino Scholar Union
  • Mira Costa High School Robotics
  • Neptunian Woman’s Club
  • Sandpipers Juniors
  • South Bay Vietnamese Cultural Center
  • South High Drill Team
  • Vistamar Robotics
  • West High Interact
The grant funds will be used to help:

  • maintain emergency vehicles and replenish medical supplie
  • support outreach ministries
  • update historical exhibitions and purchase artifacts
  • support rank and merit badges
  • provide band and color guard equipment
  • help supply protective gear from Covid-19
  • assist athletes from inner cities
  • provide sports equipment and transportation to kids
  • support gold award projects
  • launch student mentorship programs for incoming freshman
  • support competitions and cover operational expenses
  • support virtual philanthropic efforts
  • feed the homeless
  • establish enrichment programs for less fortunate
  • support disabled children
  • provide humanitarian aid
  • provide sanitary and wellness kits for local shelters
  • support card making for healthcare workers/patients

The Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair is a major fundraising event for many local organizations. When it became clear that this year's fair would be a virtual event, the Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair Association’s Board of Directors committed to give at least $10,000 back to the community.

Fair organizers also noted that once all is accounted for from virtual fair events, additional grants may be awarded in a second phase.

A few remaining puzzles, tanks, towels and sweatshirts are still available for sale on the fair merchandise page, Marcy noted.

Food, Music Traditions Continue


In addition, fair food served at downtown restaurants proved to be a popular attraction, with BREWCO's Pepperbellies and The Strand House's Funnel Cakes as the top favorites.

"We're extremely grateful to Michael Zislis and the entire team at the Zislis Group," said Marcy. "They went above and beyond to make this happen."

In the Battle of the Bands contest, The Illusions, a South Bay teen band, came out on top. The Illusions will headline the main stage next year. Scream Revolution won 2nd place and will headline the South Stage in 2021. 

Marcy said that he was proud to see the traditions continue. 

"As people stopped by our Information/Merchandise Booth over the weekend we received nothing but positive feedback," he said. "Some said, 'What a great way to make lemonade,'  while others shared their favorite hometown fair memories.  One thing is certain - we're all looking forward to our 49th Annual Fair in 2021. Thank you to everyone for your kindness and support. It was an honor and a privilege to continue our traditions for the community."


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