Tribal chef Anita Morillo and her team had the grill going full flame with hot dogs and hamburgers. Colorful plastic kiddie wading pools were filled with ice and trays of cut fresh fruit. There was plenty for everyone and many returned for seconds.

Children arrived at the event with towels, goggles and swimsuits under their shorts and tee shirts. Water slide inflatables kept the kids cool on softball Field #1, while the pool and splash pad were open for those that wanted to cool off in other ways. Romell Mojado was happy to dip her feet into the pool as she sat at its edge.

Fourteen members of the Placencia family set up chairs and picnic blankets under the shade of trees near the splash pad so they could watch the younger ones play. They plan one more family vacation to the Lawrence Welk Resort, now known as Hyatt Vacation Club at The Welk, in Escondido before the kids and grandkids head back to school in early August.

DJ Mike Nevarez kept the upbeat tunes spinning to add to the party atmosphere while also taking a break to announce winners of various games and youth raffle prize winners. At least 100 back-to-school items were available to win, from backpacks and insulated lunch boxes to mini treasure chests filled with crayons, colored pencils and other practical goodies.

One of the first games was a Duck Hunt. After being supplied with a bag, the young explorers were told to scour the area for small plastic ducks. Whoever collected the most for each age group was rewarded with a cash prize. It didn’t take long for all the ducks to disappear from their hiding places.

Lucky winners were Milo Arrietta, 0-5 age, who found 62; Noot Medina, 6-8, who collected an astounding 106; Miguel Macias Jr., 9-11, found 43; and Ayashe in the 12-up category discovered 40.

The horseshoe pit was set up next to the oversized tent that kept all the tables shaded for families to visit, eat and regroup after each round of activities. The game was open to all ages and individuals were able to try as many times as they wanted to during the allotted time. The three with the most points by 6:30 were declared the winners. They were Steve Medina, first place, Phil Basquez, second and Anthony Valenzuela. third.

Nic Necochea, who has worked at Parks & Rec for about four years, said the entrants were playing against themselves rather than teams playing against each other. Shannah Medina said she just plays horseshoes for fun at various events. Enrique Medina, 57, joined his granddaughter Rihanna Kashersky, 11, as they both pitched to be among the top scorers to take home some prize money.

Parks and Recreation Activities Director Jennifer Devore Garcia said the department enjoys being able to provide some end-of-the-summer fun, which they have done for the past several years.

“It has really grown over the years; we only had about 100 people at the first one,” she said. “I love seeing the kids have so much fun and being able to provide the back-to-school giveaways.”

At 6 p.m., the Scavenger Hunt began and lasted about 20 minutes before the top three teams finished and won their share of cash prizes. The first place team was Anaye Grant and Clover Swan, second place went to Kali Valenzuela and Jade, and Allen Silvas and Naanat Silvas worked together on the team that finished third. It was the perfect end to a fun-filled day.

The post Soboba Summer Bash is fun in the sun for everyone appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

The Soboba Parks and Recreation Department hosted its second annual Light Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony on Dec. 19. Starting near The Oaks and traveling down Castile Canyon Road to the Sports Complex with a Soboba Fire Truck escort, about 10 vehicles were decked out with bright lights, music and lots of holiday cheer.

“This is my favorite event to put on,” said Jennifer Garcia, the department’s activities director.

RZR off-road vehicles were festively decorated as were pickup trucks and other vehicles. Sweetie Miguel and Christina Torres had an off-roader decorated with items from Tim Burtons’ Nightmare Before Christmas movie.

“This event is just so fun – it’s so awesome to see the kids’ faces when we drive by,” Miguel said. They had bags full of candy to toss to residents who were tailgating along the two-mile parade route that ended at the Sports Complex.

Bianca Machado highlighted the Grinch Who Stole Christmas on her vehicle.

“The Grinch kidnapped Christmas so I kidnapped him and tied him up with strings of Christmas lights,” she said with a smile, although the Grinch did not look too happy strapped into the back of her truck. “Everyone loves the Grinch – he’s so underrated.”

Trista Marquez entered the light parade for the first time and her car included an oversized Santa Hat that covered her car’s entire roof, which she made herself.

She was among the top three winners who received a $50 Amazon gift card. Others were Wayne Nelson and Junior Medina. Delbert Briones was one of four riders with Medina.

“We wanted to make it look icy and cold with the blue lights on top but then added other colors on the bottom to make it look more Christmassy,” Briones said.

Nelson’s children, who ranged in age from 7 to 14, had pitched in to decorate the truck with strings of lights and an outline of Micky Mouse on its grille.

“We saw the parade last year and thought it looked like fun so we got involved,” he said.

The cars were parked alongside the Sports Complex field where a pine tree was lit up after a countdown by the many families that were at the park for the celebration. Hot cocoa, cookies, entertainment courtesy of The Los Angeles Belles singers, and last-minute gift item vendor booths, gave guests lots to do. There were also raffle drawings for early Christmas gifts, bringing smiles to many faces.

Miniature horse rides and a bonfire to keep hands and feet warm on the chilly night were set up in the sand pits next to the complex.

“Our kids are ready for Christmas,” said Jared Miranda who was with his family that included three children, ages 1, 3 and 5. “We just wanted to take part in this community event and it’s been fun.”

Find your latest news here at the Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle

Search: Holiday lights shine

The post HOLIDAY LIGHTS SHINE AT SOBOBA appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.