Sanrio Celebrates 50th in Santa Monica

Small Gift Los Angeles recently kicked off a 10-day carnival-style celebration at Barker Hangar in Santa Monica to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Sanrio.

More than 3,000 Sanrio fans were treated to a preview of the unique activities at a VIP launch party, including original character-inspired art from 50 artists, carnival games, food booths, ferris wheel, mini golf course, dress-up booth and Hello Kitty Smart Car display. Over the 10-day run, 100,000-plus fans are  expected to enjoy the festivities.

Celebrity guests included Pete Wentz, Ashlee Simpson, Kimora Lee Simmons, Bridget Marquardt, Lisa Ling and Erik Estrada.

Pictured from left to right are Ray Hatoyama, Sanrio's chief operating officer; Kunihiko Tsuji, chairman of Sanrio; Janet Hsu, president of Sanrio; Issac Larian, chief executive officer of MGA; and Roberto Lanzi, president of Sanrio Europe.