by Garth Meyer
Springfest, the annual carnival held at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center parking lot, returns April 13-16 for the first time since 2019.
The event was canceled in 2020 and 2021 because of the pandemic, and again in 2022 because of police and fire costs cut from the city budget due to the pandemic.
Last summer, the Redondo Beach city council voted to again waive these fees for various events, saving Springfest $13,000.
The April carnival is the North Redondo Beach Business Association’s only annual fundraiser. This year is the 40th edition. Attractions include rides and games, a food court and food trucks, children’s zone, and a community stage for music and other performances.
“The North Redondo Beach Business Association is successful because we bring community and commerce together,” said Mickey Marrafino, NRBBA president.
She noted that the group hopes to bring back other events through the year, such as the WalkAbout – a happening along Artesia Boulevard to promote its restaurants and other businesses. About 60 establishments participated in WalkAbout in past years, according to former NRBBA president Don Szerlip (also a past city councilmember).
Springfest 2023 runs from 5 p.m. – 10 p.m., April 13-14, and 11 a.m.-11 p.m. April 15; then 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. April 16. Admission and parking are free. Ride tickets cost $1.50 each, sheets of 20 for $25 and sheets of 36 for $40.
Thursday night is $2 ride night.
“We’re hoping to have a very exciting and profitable event this week,” said Szerlip.
Springfest proceeds go to the NRBBA’s efforts to promote businesses in North Redondo as well as scholarships’ for two high school students.
The NRBBA was founded in 1979. ER
