150 join in on resident-led golf cart parade

Fiesta Day, arguably Canyon Lake’s biggest event of the year, was canceled after COVID-19 broke out. It was to be held Saturday. Instead, a group of Canyon Lake residents organized a Saturday morning Canyon Lake Fiesta Day Protest Parade where more than 150 golf carts took to the streets to celebrate Memorial Day.

The lengthy parade route was lined with spectators who cheered wildly as the elaborately-decorated golf carts paraded by. Depending on who was asked, whether a spectator or participant, the purpose of the parade was either in protest of there being no Fiesta Day this year or it was simply a parade that took the place of the usual Fiesta Day parade. Either way, golf cart drivers, riders and spectators were obviously having a fun time.

Canyon Lakers Don and Delfina McKee are showing their support of the friendly protesters by holding signs. “We sit right here every year at this time to watch the Fiesta Day parade,” Don said. “We decided to do the same this year.”

Golf carts started gathering in the morning at Holiday Harbor. All were decorated with patriotic colors and streamers in celebration of Memorial Day. Patriotic music was played by some, while country music was blasted by others.

Some golf carts were even equipped with a drink dispenser and inflatable bald eagles. Soon after 9:00 a.m., the park reached its maximum capacity and golf carts began to park along the street next to Holiday Harbor as they waited to proceed down the parade route.

Canyon Lakers Don and Delfina McKee are showing their support of the friendly protesters by holding signs. “We sit right here every year at this time to watch the Fiesta Day parade,” Don said. “We decided to do the same this year.”

By 9:30 a.m., a long line of over 150 jubilant drivers and passengers set off in their golf carts on their way towards the East Gate. Spectators cheered them on, some of whom held signs in support of the event. Cars passing by honked as well. Spectators along the route waved and cheered and a few golf cart riders threw candy as they passed onlookers.

“We were so blessed to put out our chairs and watch this amazing parade,” said Melissa Gavin. “It was such a great turnout.” After getting to the East Gate, the parade turned around and went up Canyon Lake Drive towards Vacation Drive on its way down towards the North Gate. The golf carts drove down Vacation Drive and finally ended up congregating at the Gault Field parking lot where the parade participants stopped, rested, relaxed and celebrated the day.