Goldfish Steal Show During Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair Party

MANHATTAN BEACH, CA — When a small group of Manhattan Beach neighbors got together yesterday for a party to commemorate this year's "So unFair" Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair, canceled due to COVID-19, they might not have known the fun and laughs awaiting them.

But once the group gathered, they discovered that party host Judy Hammond had recreated some Fair highlights. Neighbors enjoyed fish tacos, libations, and games typically found at the Fair, such as sponge toss.

For Dennis Kane's part, he was absolutely enjoying the "in lieu of" the annual Hometown Fair party. "It was a cute little party," he said. But Kane, who has attended many MB Hometown Fairs with his two sons [now in their 20s], told guests, "There's something missing," and "snuck out."

Kane's mission? He darted to Pet Smart nearby and bought some 15 goldfish, the well-known fair prize youngsters come home with every first weekend in October during the Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair.

He took "the little bag of goldfish" back with him to the party but had to leave shortly so he handed it the party host's daughter, telling her, "This is our gift for inviting us to the party."

Later, Kane heard everyone at the party "was laughing like crazy" over the gift of goldfish.

This morning, he found his party host neighbor at his front door. She had a bowl of about seven goldfish for him. She'd kept the other half.

So, with no young kids at home, Kane decided to give away the goldfish and posted them on NextDoor. So, if you'd like free goldfish, look on ND to contact Kane.

Kane's ND post reads, "Free Hometown Fair Goldfish! We bought some very healthy beautiful gold fish from PetSmart in honor of the MB Hometown Fair. We are offering as many as you want, for free! Just bring a plastic bag to our house. Better yet, zip over to Pet Smart and grab a tank and some water (I think that they will fill it). Just DM me directly and I will give you our address. Get your kid a new friend!"

Want a goldfish anyone?!