Hometown Fair 2011 in Manhattan Beach

One of the best-kept secrets in the South Bay is coming soon! The 39th Annual Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair is being held on October 1-2, 2011. The popularity of the fair is explained by the fact that it attracts everyone under the sun, from families and art lovers, to free speech advovates and fair food fanatics, and those that would rather hang out in the South Bay's favorite Beer Garden. It really is a hometown event and has mangaged to showcase it's community feel every year in large part because this event is 100% put together and executed by a group of volunteers.

The Hometown Fair is unique and it unites the community as a good portion of profits go to local charities. Since parking in Manhattan Beach is an improbable equation, there will be free parking and free shuttles running all day from 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday fromn the Northrop/Gruman parking lot in Redondo Beach. Although not affiliated with Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair, many folks will test their mettle at the Manhattan Beach 10k in the morning and then cool down at the fair. TheManhattan Beach Hometown 10K Run weaves throughout Manhattan Beach and garners thousands of participants each year.

There will be all of the regular Fair activities, such as Arts & Crafts, face painting and the Ring Toss. A very different sideshow at the Hometown Fair, however, is the designated Free Speech area. Here, anyone can speak their mind about literally any issue they want (although if you're interested, you'll have to pre-register). Besides the information below, all kinds of side events will be happening including a Amateur Art Exhibit, Toddler Trot, Circus shows, and much more. You'll regret it if you miss the fair this year!

2011 Hometown Fair Details

• Music: 2011's Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair will once again feature the annual Battle of the Bands, conveniently located at the Main Stage next to the crowd at the Beer Garden. Local amateur bands will battle for the title as well as a cash prize. The winners will be announced on stage following the conclusion of the battle. The South Stage, which is located next to the Joslyn Center, offers continuous entertainment from 10:00 to 6:00 on Saturday and from 10:00 to 5:00 on Sunday. In addition to the Mira Costa Band performance, which officially opens the fair, the Hyperion Outfall Serenaders Dixieland jazz will perform on the South Stage. Entertainment will include music from soft country and blues to rock and roll.
• Food: The food selection is always amazing, and this year promises to satisfy your apetite. Booths will be selling items like hot dogs, corn dogs, hamburgers, tacos, fish tacos, pizza, BBQ, Polish sausage, teriyaki bowls, Philly Cheese Steak sandwiches, tri-tip, pulled pork, and chicken on a stick. Funnel cake, churros, caramel apples and much more will be out there too.
• Beer & Wine Garden: The highlight of the fair for many is the Beer Garden, which is located on Dorsey Field at the north end of the fairgrounds. The Beer Garden opens at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday, and sells beer and wine tickets until 4:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. This year there will be a Wine Garden on the basketball courts from 12:00n to 6:00 p.m. The Beer & Wine Gardens are staffed by local charities established for the benefit of Manhattan Beach youth. A drawing takes place in June, where four of the charities are selected to operate the Beer Garden. Each group selected will receive a portion of the net proceeds. Chilling out with a cold beer on a large grassy field with a friendly crowd of locals is a great way to spend the day, and definitely one of the highlights of the fair.

Getting To and Around the Hometown Fair

• Parking: Ride a bike. If that's not feasible, parking will be very limited unless you arrive at 6 a.m. with a pocket full of quarters.
• Shuttle Service: Your best (and much more convenient) option is to use the FREE shuttle service. It is available all day Saturday and Sunday from the Northrop/Grumman parking lot (see location below). The shuttle service parking is located at the corner of Aviation Boulevard and Marine Avenue in Redondo Beach. Follow the signs to the shuttle bus stop. Shuttle hours are 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday and 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Sunday. The shuttle will run approximately every 15 minutes throughout each day.
  
• Parking Address:
  1 Space Park Drive
  R1 Parking Area
  Redondo Beach, CA 90278

Battle of the Bands, Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair