by Mark McDemott
Forty-eight years of memories in physical form have gone missing after the Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair’s storage bin was broken into last week. Fair organizers, preparing for the 49th annual Hometown Fair this October and its 50 year milestone next year, are asking anyone with memorabilia to contribute in order to rebuild the collection.
More than the memorabilia was lost in the burglary. Hometown Fair game prizes and equipment were taken, as well.But Joe Marcy, the president of the Hometown Fair board, said that the collection of memorabilia, which included three dozen mugs, several shirts, and a vintage banner from the inaugural fair, were a big part of keeping fair memories alive.
“While many things are replaceable, our most devastating loss was our memorabilia,” Marcy said. “We had a large collection of mugs, posters and shirts dating back to 1972. As you may know, local artists provide unique designs over the years. We’re asking the community to help us rebuild our collection. We’re incredibly grateful to those that offered donations but we have a long way to go.”
Five decades of memorabilia is typically on display at each year’s fair via the Community Showcase at the Joslyn Center. The Fair board is asking for donations of mugs, posters, hats, T-shirts, and anything else from past Hometown Fairs to help rebuild the collection.
“The collection has always provided inspiration to the community reflecting on our past and looking toward our future,” Marcy said. “We’re committed to building it back.”
The fair’s storage unit is located in Redondo Beach near Inglewood and Manhattan Beach Boulevard. Marcy said the theft remains unsolved despite the fact the security camera footage did capture images of the burglars.
Individuals who would like to donate can email president@mbfair.org. Donors will be acknowledged at this year’s fair, which takes place — live and in-person, following last year’s virtual fair — October 2 and 3. ER
