The Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair wrapped up last weekend with record-breaking sales and bigger crowds than ever. The Community Showcase art contest, which grew by 50% over last year, also announced its winners from among more than 130 entries. 

"What an incredible weekend," said Karen Tokashiki, the president of the Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair board. The fair brought "sunny skies, filled with laughter, music, and that unmistakable hometown spirit we all love," she said. 

(Tokashiki speaks at the beginning of the fair alongside the Mira Costa High School Marching Band and Colorguard)

The fair's arts and crafts vendors had a banner weekend, said Tokashiki: "The area was packed both days, and several vendors shared that they had record-breaking sales, even calling it their best fair in more than twenty years. Many told us this continues to be their favorite event because of how warm, kind, and genuinely happy our fairgoers are."

The Kid Country area hosted 42 game booths this year, added Tokashiki, and the fair's Free Games area saw bigger crowds than ever, especially at the Toddler Trot and water balloon toss with prizes donated by local businesses.

(Sack races at the fair - Photo via Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair)

Beyond the traditional pepper bellies, tri-tip, and sweet treats, the Beer and Wine Gardens were lively all weekend. Capping off the event was a raffle drawing for a golf cart, a two-night stay at Terranea Resort, and a helicopter trip.

Tokashiki thanked community donors who sponsored game prizes and contributing raffle rewards, food, and drinks. "Their support helps us create a weekend overflowing with fun, creativity, and true hometown spirit. Every dollar raised goes right back into our community — supporting local schools, nonprofits, and student scholarships. We’re so proud of what this fair represents and so grateful to our city partners, volunteers, donors, and the entire community for coming together to celebrate Manhattan Beach at its best."

Community Showcase Art Winners Announced

The Community Showcase received a total of 130 entries from 52 artists from throughout the South Bay, up from 80 entries received last year. The showcase also featured a community art project where participants contributed more than 110 sea creatures to an "Ocean Wall."

(The "Ocean Wall" - Photo via Joe Touch)

Art winners were as follows: 

 
Fiber Arts
First Place: Alison Gerber - Victorian Crazy Quilt
Second Place: Paula Brissette - Birthday Cake (crochet blank)
Third Place: Pat Casassa - There Are Places I Remember In My Life (display)
Honorable Mention: Rhein Matlack - Cabled Sweater
 
3D Arts
First Place: Devon Liu - Glut (ceramic)
Second Place: Emily Segal - Sea Spirit (carved shell/rope)
Third Place: Lee Phillips - Self-portrait 2025 (glass mosaic)
Honorable Mention: Lee Phillips - Shattered Surf (glass mosaic)
 
2D Arts, Child (6-10)
First Place: Matilda Block - Bixby
Second Place: Tasha Yang - Me
Third Place: Ellie Fogaren - Unicorn in a Meadow
Honorable Mention: Cade Pugh - A Memorable First Field Trip

2D Arts, Young Teen (11-14)
First Place: Irene Jin - World in Twins
Second Place: Loretta Potter - Untitled #1
Third Place: Daniel Rodriguez - 100 “Good-Years”
Honorable Mention: Kai Slate - Eyes of Emotion

2D Arts, Teen (15-19)
First Place: Lucia Selipanov - Traveler
Second Place: Lucia Selipanov - Kitty Cat
Third Place: Maya Donlevy - Hard Times
Honorable Mention: Dane Kennedy - Jexi

2D arts, Adult (20-64)
First Place: Ying Tong - Mandarin
Second Place: Ariana Santoro - Sunset palms
Third Place: Mimi Woolley - Eucalyptus
Honorable Mention: Ying Tong - Collage
 
2D Arts, Senior (65+)
First Place: Andrea Hughes - The Crimson Castle
Second Place: Sue Cutler - Red Bridge
Third Place (tie): Barbara Reilly - Seaside
Third Place (tie): Sue Cutler - Desert Hike
Third Place (tie): Sue Cutler - Iceland Afternoon

Photography, K-12 (18 and under)
First Place Hudson Chen - The Street Juggler
Second Place Hudson Chen - Systematic Pawns
Third Place Max Cheng - City Lights
Honorable Mention M Morgan - Colorful Cat

Photography, Adult (19 and up)
First Place Janice Liu - To Infinity and Beyond 2.x Version
Second Place Lee Canter - Palouse
Third Place Lee Canter - Moody Pier
Honorable Mention Janice Liu - No Filter Required

(Cecelia Potter - Photo via Joe Touch)