Hometown Fair 2009 in Manhattan Beach

One of the best-kept secrets in the South Bay each year is coming soon! The 37th Annual Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair is being held on October 3-4, 2009. The popularity of the fair is explained by the fact that it attracts everyone under the sun, from families and art lovers to those that would rather hang out in the South Bay's favorite Beer Garden.

The Hometown Fair is unique, as it unites the community with all food profits going to local non-profits and local residents running the whole deal. This year, there will be free parking and free shuttles running all day from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The day kicks off with the annual Manhattan Beach Hometown 10K Run , which 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 Chili Cook-Off, Toddler Trot, Antique Car Show and much more. You'll regret it if you miss the fair this year!

2009 Hometown Fair Details

• Music: 2009's Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair will once again feature the annual Battle of the Bands, conveniently located at the Main Stage next to the eager 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 (a fair favorite), 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. Serving beer, wine and pear cider, 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. The Beer Garden is 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