McLean Grimes
Executive News Editor
Taylor Kelley
News Editor
The 50th annual Hometown Fair took place Oct. 1-2 in Manhattan Beach and featured games, booths, and live music.
The Hometown Fair opened with a parade, which included cars filled with city officials, past and current fair board members and board presidents. Costa’s marching band also performed at the fair. The fair took place on the Live Oak Field, tennis courts, Dorsey Field and Valley Drive.
“The Hometown Fair means coming together as a town to raise money for important projects, whether in a business or a school association,” said freshman Lily Sprauge. “My favorite booth was the soccer team’s hair spray booth because I got to see all of my friends and support a good cause.”
Art booths lined the entrance of the fair. Vendors in each booth sold products, such as jewelry, clothes, paintings, photos, etc. Some booths promoted organizations such as the Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk and the Manhattan Beach Police Department.
“I went with my sister, and we spent the day at the fair,” said junior Sabrina Dela Barre. “I bought in- cense and essential oils from a very lovely couple. I also bought a ring that was one of the most unique things I’ve ever seen.”
Numerous booths hosted carnival games, many of which were sponsored by Costa-related sports, clubs, or classes. Some Costa booths featured activities such as Link Crew’s bracelet-making booth and girls soccer’s hairspray booth.
“I worked the hair spray booth for [Costa] girls soccer,” said junior Arianna Vogel. “I had so much fun working it because I got to see all the little kids, and parents occasionally, smile after we did their hair.”
In addition to carnival booths, several booths sold food such as spiral potatoes and funnel cakes. On the Greenbelt, the “Kid Country” area held activities such as slides, petting zoos, and a pony ride.
“My favorite food at the fair was the pepper belly,” said senior Jane Bloodgood. “I’ve gotten it every year, and it’s become a comfort food for me.”
While attendees browsed booths, live music, played on both of the fair’s fields. On the main stage at Dorsey Field, there was a Battle of the Bands that was won by the rock band Joyride. Each music area had seating for people to listen to the music.
“I’ve been going to the fair with my family since I was a kid,” said junior Sienna Kingston. “It’s something I’ve grown up with, and it’s such an amazing tradition in Manhattan Beach. I look forward to it every year.”
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