By Charolette Levy
Theme Editor
Fiesta Hermosa, a fair in Hermosa Beach, took place over Labor Day weekend to celebrate local vendors and businesses.
Fiesta Hermosa took place from Sept. 3-5. The Fiesta featured several areas that hosted different activities such as The Garden, Makers Mercado, Food Fair, Beach Concert, and Carnival. The streets were filled with booths offering games, food, art, jewelry, clothing, and music.
“While the mall can feel congested and stuffy at times, Fiesta Hermosa [is] an open air market, which [is] much more pleasant,” sophomore Samantha Ehrlich-Fein said. “Ad
ditionally, [it] provides an opportunity to interact with and support small businesses one on one, rather than the large corporations.”
The Garden was a venue for local breweries, wineries, and restaurants to serve attendees accompanied by live music. Performances by cover bands, including South Bay Jam, Soul Shot, and Lucky Ones, were also showcased at the new Beach Concert area.
“The live music gave the fiesta such a joyful and spirited vibe and am- bience,” said sophomore Skylar Apirian. “The local artists performed with radiance that carried into the audience’s attitude.”
The Makers Mercado held a variety of 200 vendors spanning across Hermosa, Manhattan, and Pier avenues. Shops at this section of the festival sold various hand-crafted goods. A few of the vendors, like Bearded Jerky, raised money for charitable causes.
“I met so many friendly faces who made my experience at Fiesta Hermosa very special,” said Venette Carolina, owner of jewelry company Venerari Gems.
The Food Fair offered empanadas, chicken, crepes, potstickers, and a variety of other foods on display. According to Jessica Accomando, president CEO of Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce, the recent heat wave in California made working conditions difficult at the festival, but local residents and vendors found ways to endure the harsh weather.
“Although the heat wave was anticipated to be dreadful, I came prepared with a cooler filled with plenty of water and snacks as well as a misting fan to keep me cool,” Carolina added.
The Beach Cities Health District Carnival featured games and food to raise money for the Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau. The carnival contained a slide, ferris wheel, merry-go-round, and other traditional rides.
“Fiesta is a 51-year tradition that many people celebrate with their families,” said Jessica Accomando. “Fiesta also supports local business and introduces non-locals to our community, which we desperately need.”
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