Sheridan McKnight
Staff Writer
Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau hosted its annual Fiesta Hermosa in downtown Hermosa Beach on May 27-29, which is the largest arts and crafts fair in Southern California.
According to the city’s website, the fair is known for its outstanding food, music, and shopping. Over 300 artists and crafters were featured, including painters, photographers, ceramicists and jewelers. The event also had a food court which offered 18 different kinds of ethnic food, including brazilian, mexican and french.
“I look forward to the fair every year to try new yummy foods, I also enjoy returning to my favorite food stands which are the corn on the cob and funnel cakes,” freshman Bella Macleod said.
Fiesta Hermosa is also known for its local artwork. Artists and crafters sell their work at the fair, including sculptures and art pieces that showcase the South Bay’s sunsets and scenery.
“Fiesta Hermosa has so much amazing artwork to offer, the quality of the local photography is excellent too,” said Mira Costa parent Cynthia Yuter.
The fair consisted of two main stages that featured live music, one stage was located on the pier and the other was in the Beer and Wine Garden. The Beer and Wine Garden was located behind the food court for adults to enjoy beer, wine, and music.
“I love listening to the live music on the main stage and hearing the different styles performed. It also nice to hear cover bands play your favorite songs,” freshman Stella Strusser said.
For those who choose to drive to the fiesta, parking was available at local school parking lots, such as Hermosa Valley School along with St. Cross Episcopal Church. These schools take advantage of this event, and use it as a fundraiser. Parking was $20 at the Valley lot and the money earned goes toward the school. In addition, free shuttle buses from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. drove to and from the event each day of Fiesta Hermosa.
“All the money raised from the parking lot fundraiser goes toward the school which adds up to be in the thousands. The parking lot is open all day and run by HVS students and their parents,” said Teacher at Hermosa Valley Mrs. Avol.
Local hermosa businesses along with individual artists and crafters set up booths to display their goods. To rent a booth at the fair you must contact the city and be selected through a jury which determines your eligibility based on quality, diversity and presentation, since there is a limited amount of space.
“Our goals for next year are to continue providing a wonderful family-friendly atmosphere that the entire community will love and look forward to,” said President Of Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce Kim Macmullan. “We work closely with the Fire and Police Departments in Hermosa Beach and provide private security all over the venue. The Fiesta weekends attract approximately 300,000 people during the Memorial Day and Labor Day holidays, and we look forward to continuing this security so all our guests feel safe during their visit,” said Macmullan.
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