Sanrio celebrates its 50th anniversary with week long party at Barker Hangar (Photos)

The party commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Sanrio Company and its family of iconic characters has finally arrived in Los Angeles.

Starting tonight at Barker Hangar, fans of Hello Kitty, My Melody, Keroppi, the Little Twin Stars and many others, will be able to celebrate this impressive achievement with a huge interactive carnival event that includes games, rides, food and the chance to purchase rare limited edition merchandise.

Janet Hsu, President of Sanrio Global Consumer Products said, "We commemorate this milestone with fans from around the world that have grown up with our characters and built a long-lasting relationship with the brand."

An art gallery featuring installations from several well-known artists, each paying tribute to the characters that generations of fans have grown up with over the years, is on-site and original paintings and prints will be available for purchase.

Brand collaborations with companies like Sephora, Target, Yogurtland, and Smart Car will be highlighted. Attendees will even get a sneak peek at the new Hello Kitty smart car wraps and the lovely line of beauty products that will be available from Sephora in January 2011.

A Sanrio miniature golf course, Ferris wheel, carnival games and lots of one-of-a-kind photo opportunities are sure to please kids of all ages, but for most fans, the opportunity to visit the "Small Gift" Pop-Up shop featuring exclusive 50th anniversary merchandise will be the main reason to brave the crowds.

Angelinos will be able to celebrate their love of all things Sanrio at Barker Hangar in Santa Monica through November 21st.

For more information, please check out the event's official website.

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, LA Geek Culture Examiner

Keri Luna makes the yearly pilgrimage to Comic-Con. She Twitters. She plays online games. She has an unhealthy obsession with manga and comics, as well as a concrete plan of survival worked out in the event of a Zombie apocalypse. Her knowledge of Kung-Fu movies from the 70s is matched only by...

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