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.
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.
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."
Art winners were as follows:
Fiber ArtsFirst Place: Alison Gerber - Victorian Crazy QuiltSecond 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 ArtsFirst 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 - BixbySecond Place: Tasha Yang - MeThird Place: Ellie Fogaren - Unicorn in a MeadowHonorable Mention: Cade Pugh - A Memorable First Field Trip
2D Arts, Young Teen (11-14)First Place: Irene Jin - World in TwinsSecond Place: Loretta Potter - Untitled #1Third Place: Daniel Rodriguez - 100 “Good-Years”Honorable Mention: Kai Slate - Eyes of Emotion
2D Arts, Teen (15-19)First Place: Lucia Selipanov - TravelerSecond Place: Lucia Selipanov - Kitty CatThird Place: Maya Donlevy - Hard TimesHonorable Mention: Dane Kennedy - Jexi
2D arts, Adult (20-64)First Place: Ying Tong - MandarinSecond Place: Ariana Santoro - Sunset palmsThird Place: Mimi Woolley - EucalyptusHonorable Mention: Ying Tong - Collage
2D Arts, Senior (65+)First Place: Andrea Hughes - The Crimson CastleSecond Place: Sue Cutler - Red BridgeThird Place (tie): Barbara Reilly - SeasideThird Place (tie): Sue Cutler - Desert HikeThird Place (tie): Sue Cutler - Iceland Afternoon
Photography, K-12 (18 and under)First Place Hudson Chen - The Street JugglerSecond Place Hudson Chen - Systematic PawnsThird Place Max Cheng - City LightsHonorable Mention M Morgan - Colorful Cat
Photography, Adult (19 and up)First Place Janice Liu - To Infinity and Beyond 2.x VersionSecond Place Lee Canter - PalouseThird Place Lee Canter - Moody PierHonorable Mention Janice Liu - No Filter Required
The Community Showcase also hosted an amateur performance stage, featuring Megan Huynh, Cecilia Potter, and the Mira Costa Jazz Combo for their first appearance and returning performers Mariachi Alma Juvenil, the Roth Trio, Mx’d Plate, Ayanna & Raiya Wheeler, the Smokey Hollow Bluegrass Band, the MB Poetry Circle and Mira Costa Poets, Dance 1, and the Rise Academy of Dance Performance Team.
Applications for the 2026 Fair, to be held October 3-4, will be available next June.