"The pier was a place where parents could relax, children could have fun for hours and you didn't have to spend a lot of money," said Manhattan Youth director Bob Townley, speaking to the group from atop a picnic table.

At midnight, Manhattan Youth's lease on the pier would expire. Piers 25 and 26 will be demolished and, in three years, new ones are to be built.

Townley said that some community space may be carved out near the basketball court, with space for a small snack bar and the art program.

But this night was about saying goodbye.

"It's a shame the pier is leaving, but it's good to know there's such a sense of community Downtown," said Toby Young, who worked on the pier. "Thanks for buying all the hot dogs."