'Let it Snow' in Hermosa Beach

Hermosa Beach’s Pier Avenue will turn into a winter wonderland Saturday as about 60 tons of snow will blanket the downtown area—just steps away from the beach.

There will be ski slopes, snowboard rails, and even open sledding as part of the community's annual , which was held for the first time last year.

"I think it really lifted the spirits of the community for the holiday season," said City Councilman Peter Tucker when in October. "The event energized the city for the holiday season... and I look forward to this year’s event."

At the fest, pro and amateur snowboarders will showcase their skills in a contest judged by a panel of snowboarding legends, including Snowboarder magazine's two-time Rider of the Year John Jackson and snowboarding legend Marc Frank Montoya. TV's snowboarding personality "the Dingo" will emcee the event.

A child’s snow area will be open near the base the Pier, and look for Santa Claus to make an appearance. For the open sledding session, bring your own sleds and no snowboards will be allowed.

The Snowfest is free to all and open to the public. Here’s the schedule of events:

• 12 to 5 p.m.: Top snow industry companies will be on display in Pier Plaza during the snow expo.
• 1 to 4:30 p.m.: Pro-Am and college snowboarding demo and contest will be held.
• 1 to 6 p.m.: A snow area at Pier Plaza will be open for children 5 and under.
• 5 to 8 p.m.: Open sledding will be open along Pier Avenue for children under 15.

Volunteers will shovel the snow around 9 p.m., and the Hermosa Beach Fire Department is set to help, bringing its high-power hoses to wash away leftover ice.

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