Skechers hosts holiday fireworks at Manhattan Beach Pier

By Ben Gibbons

Staff Writer

Skechers hosted the 28th annual Manhattan Beach Holiday Fireworks on Sunday at the Manhattan Beach Pier.

Thousands of people attended the event to watch the city light fireworks into the sky. Performers such as Joe’s Band, Ari Perelmuter, Hyperion Outfall, Mira Costa Jazz Ensemble, Lou Giovannetti and Delfina performed for the audience.

“A couple of years ago we got the opportunity to perform at the fireworks,” Costa band director Joel Carlson said. “It’s pretty awesome to have a band that can play at that level where people want to hear us and want us to be featured.”

The show started at 4:00 pm, where residents could enjoy performances from local bands such as Hyperion Outfall. If one brought a canned good, an unwrapped toy, or a cash donation, they were able to play in the Skechers Snow Park and Sled Hill, consisting of two snow play areas with snowmen for family photos and 5 50ft sled runs.

“I love that people have their own traditions of how they watch the fireworks,” Manhattan Beach city councilwoman Amy Howorth said. “Some always come downtown and put their blanket in the same spot, and some have parties in their houses and walk down to the beach.”

Mira Costa’s award-winning Jazz Band also performed for attendees. The group performed holiday songs from their winter concert on Dec. 8th.

“We perform at the Holiday Fireworks every year as a tradition,” baritone saxophonist Paul Matt said. “The Jazz Ensemble is a class where Mr. Carlson gets to relax and enjoy some jazz.”

Throughout the night, children were able to tell their Christmas wishes to Santa, and could also play in the bounce park. At 6:00 pm, Joe’s Band performed a holiday music sing along for the audience.

Photos: The City of Manhattan Beach Hosts the 2017 Fireworks on the pier.

“The annual event started as a way for local business leaders to kick-off the holiday season, and give something back to Manhattan Beach,” producer Pete Moffett said. “The deed has flourished and this spirit of sharing is nowhere more apparent than here.”

Video: Full video of Manhattan Beach fireworks.

Courtesy of Nick Shah

Pete Moffett Productions set off the fireworks at 7:00 pm on the Manhattan Beach Pier. Towards the end of the show, Belkin put on an extended grand finale.

“If you want to feel a sense of community, there is nothing like the annual Manhattan Beach Holiday Fireworks show,” Pete Moffett said. “It’s as if the entire town comes to the pier to see the show and see their neighbors.”

Click here for the Holiday Fireworks calendar event on the Manhattan City Council website.

The city blocked off most of the downtown area of Manhattan Beach from cars so residents could watch the fireworks on Manhattan Beach Blvd, and advertised the event with banners hung up across traffic lights located in busy intersections. The city also gave the friends and family members of sponsors of the fireworks show a VIP area in the northern parking lot overlooking the pier where they could enjoy the fireworks comfortably.

Click here to visit the official website of the Manhattan Beach Holiday Fireworks.

“The December holiday fireworks are one of Manhattan Beach’s signature events, along with the pumpkin races, the hometown fair, and the six man,” Howorth said. “These are events that are unique to Manhattan Beach; they don’t happen anywhere else.”