The annual car show benefiting the Manhattan Beach Police K-9 Foundation, which had been scheduled for September 29, has been canceled. 

The loss of parking from the doomed Parking Lot 3 - and the subsequent cost to downtown businesses - was given as the cause for the cancellation, according to partners in the event. 

The event had grown rapidly over the past five years, attracting more than 200 cars last year and shutting down Manhattan Beach Boulevard and Manhattan Avenue in downtown Manhattan Beach.

Jill Lamkin, executive director of the Manhattan Beach Downtown Business & Professional Association, thanked the city and the MBPD K-9 Foundation "for making the hard decision" to cancel the event this year.

"The closure of Lot 3, which eliminated nearly 150 desperately needed parking spaces, is having a devastating impact on local businesses," said Lamkin. "In August, 80% of our downtown Manhattan Beach businesses experienced losses between 10 and 50%. Losing all of the parking on Manhattan Beach Boulevard and Manhattan Avenue for a full weekend day was just too much."

In appreciation, the Manhattan Beach Downtown Business & Professional Association has donated $2500 to the MBPD K-9 Foundation and has worked to help secure additional donations to the organization.

Meanwhile, a city spokeperson told MB News that other fall events remain on schedule for now and the city will be continuing to explore additional parking options for special events.

Events such as Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk and the Pumpkin Race (both scheduled for October 20) only require the shutdown of Manhattan Beach Blvd. west of Manhattan Ave.

The Holiday Open House and Pier Lighting (scheduled for November 20) requires the shutdown of Manhattan Ave., but it is an event hosted by and designed to feature the downtown businesses.