Fiesta Day is tomorrow!

Canyon Lake’s ShowCal Skiers will perform on the main lake from 1 to 2 p.m. Photo by Donna Ritchie

Fiesta Day, considered the most iconic of Canyon Lake’s community events, will take place tomorrow, May 27, beginning with the traditional parade. This year’s theme, “Stars, Stripes and Fiesta,” is a patriotic tribute honoring all those who have served our nation.

The parade will begin at 9 a.m. on Canyon Lake Dr. N. at Gulf Stream Dr. This year’s Grand Marshals are Nancy Carroll and Al Van Beenen. Nancy and Al are longtime Canyon Lake residents who have volunteered countless hours serving community groups and helping residents.

The parade route is from Canyon Lake Dr. N. to Canyon Club Dr., around the circle at the lodge, ending at Lighthouse Dr. The parade line up begins at 7 a.m. The four staging areas are: Yellow Feather Dr., Mayflower Dr., Spray Dr., and Smugglers Pt.

The 44th annual Fiesta Day promises something for everyone. There will be approximately 100 vendor booths, a kids zone, live music, reptile show, magician show, rock wall, mechanical bull, face painting, mini horses, dunk tank, elephant rides, bounce houses, contests, stilt walkers, tube rolling on the lake, ski show by ShowCal Skiers and more.

Concession stands set up around the circle at lodge and manned by Canyon Lake clubs will keep the expect crowd of 5,000 well-fed with booths featuring hot dogs, pizza, tacos, pulled pork sandwiches, nachos, fries, kettlecorn, krispy Kreme donuts, now cones and ice cream. The lodge will be selling alcoholic drinks from the outside bars.

Opening Ceremonies will begin on the main stage at 10 a.m. and includes the Presentation of Colors, Pledge of Allegiance, National Anthem, the announcement of the Float Contest winner and the introduction of dignitaries, sponsors and veterans.

Dana the Magician will perform from 10:30 to 11:15. JDI Dance Company will perform at 11 a.m. The Reptile Show will take place in the Holiday Bay Room from 11:45 to 1:15. The Boss of the Barbecue Sauce Contest is at 1:30; Jammin Jam Contest is at 2:30. Contest winners will be announced at 3 p.m. The Hodads band will provide live music throughout the day.

The ShowCal Skiers will perform on the main lake from 1 to 2 p.m.

The kids zone will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wristbands are available for $8 each. The rock wall, mechanical bull and tube rolling on the lake cost $5 per person. Face painting is $2.

There will be no parking in the first two rows of the lodge parking lot beginning on at 6 a.m. on Friday, May 26.  After midnight, there will be no parking in the remainder of the lodge parking lot.

The lot must be cleared in order for the event to be set up. The POA has warned that cars parked in after this time will be cited and/or towed. at the lodge in the first two row.

After the parade, only handicapped vehicles and those with designated passes will be allowed past the corner of Canyon Club Dr. and Lighthouse Dr. to enter the lodge parking lot. Bicycles skateboards and scooters are not allowed to be ridden past Canyon Club Dr. and Lighthouse Dr., walk-ins only. There will be a designated parking area for bikes at the tennis court by the restrooms.

Residents will want to plan ahead for street closures that will take place on the morning of the parade, especially those expecting guests from out of town.

There will be no parking on Saturday from 6 to 10 a.m. on Canyon Lake Dr. N. from Steel Head Dr. to Canyon Club Dr. and on Canyon Club Dr. and Lighthouse Dr. These streets will be closed off to traffic on Saturday morning from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Other streets that will be closed on Saturday from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. include Vacation Dr. heading east past the Lighthouse Dr. intersection and Canyon Lake Dr. S. at Village Way. The main causeway will be closed.

To help reduce traffic congestion, there will be a pedestrian lane on the south side of Canyon Club Dr. leading to the lodge. The lane will start at the corner of Lighthouse Dr. and Canyon Club Dr. Those walking to and from the lodge will be directed to use the pedestrian lane.

There will be no public vehicle or golf cart parking available between Lighthouse Dr. and Canyon Club Dr. Only residents of the homes affected and those who have designated passes or handicap placards will be allowed to park in this area.

There will be three shuttle buses running three different loops to locations throughout the lake; Bus One, East Port Park; Bus Two, Sierra Park and Gault Field; Bus Three, Holiday Harbor Park and Blue Bird Hall. Each bus will run continuously from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from the designated park to the lodge. The last shuttle leaves from the lodge at 4:30 p.m.

Putting on Fiesta Day is a big job. The Fiesta Day Committee plays an important role in planning this major event. This hard working committee began planning Fiesta Day in January. Their support and creative ideas make this event possible each year.

The committee members are: Joanna Spiller, committee chair and treasurer; LaRue MacNamara, secretary and dignitaries reception; Lyne Hall, parade coordinator; Roanne Grasso, booths; Joe Grasso, programs and banners; Jude Donahue, sponsorships volunteer.