A-far-from-silent night in Manhattan Beach

Robert Shellabarger of Torrance, an air show photographer, tackles a different aerial subject in Manhattan Beach on Sunday evening. Thousands of people gathered in the afternoon to play with imported snow and hear live music. (Rick Loomis / Los Angeles Times)

Dec. 11, 2011 12 AM PT

Every year, the Manhattan Beach Holiday Fireworks Festival attracts large crowds. This year, kids from one to 92 could play in imported snow, and local bands led a holiday sing-along. The fireworks began at 7 with a festive soundtrack.

Chelsea Mackin of Rancho Palos Verdes dashes through the imported snow with Libby Keller of Redondo Beach during the Manhattan Beach Holiday Fireworks Festival. (Rick Loomis / Los Angeles Times)

A genuinely frosty snowman attracts a crowd at the Manhattan Beach Holiday Fireworks Festival. (Rick Loomis / Los Angeles Times)

Cousins Sandra Kelly of Hermosa Beach and Grace MacInnis of Torrance whisper while they wait for the fireworks to begin Sunday. (Rick Loomis / Los Angeles Times)

As the sun sets in Manhattan Beach, David Fein of Del Rey waits for the fireworks display to begin. (Rick Loomis / Los Angeles Times)