The Friday Flyer | 158 carts take to street

There really is a golf cart under there somewhere. Rob Mora and Lainie Cooney won one of the Best Themed Awards at the 10th Annual Canyon Lake Toy Drive and Christmas Cart Parade held down Canyon Lake Drive on Sunday. More than 150 golf carts participated in the parade where socially-distanced residents lined the streets to cheer on the creative carts. Photo by Ariana Shah

158 carts take to street

BY Ariana Shah

Over 150 golf carts, all decked out in their holiday best, paraded down Canyon Lake Drive Sunday night to excited Canyon Lakers who lined the route of The 10th Annual Canyon Lake Toy Drive and Christmas Cart Parade.

The parade and toy drive are a holiday tradition in Canyon Lake put on by The Street Carts of Canyon Lake Club.

The elaborately-decorated golf carts started on Bluebird and traversed the entire length of Canyon Lake, ending at Eastport Park.

“It was a great turn out, both by participants and spectators,” Mike Shroyer, the president and founder of Street Carts of Canyon Lake, said. “This was the best parade we’ve had yet! I was hoping for 150 golf carts and we had 158.”

Not all of those watching the Christmas Cart Parade on Sunday were standing on the sides of Canyon Lake Drive. This view of the parade was from a boat in the lake with the cart light’s reflection being cast on the water. Regardless of where those watching were stationed, the parade brought much-needed Christmas joy to a year filled with many events canceled. Photo by Marissa Charest

With COVID-19 restrictions being enforced, the typical gathering at the end of the parade where more festivities would have taken place, including the awarding of winners for best carts, was canceled. Instead, the crowd dispersed and found out via the club’s website who had won the various awards. The award winners are:

Clark Griswold Most Outrageous Award – Kyle & Serinna Eason (Gingerbread House)

Clark Griswold Most Outrageous Award – Michael & Angie Bazaldua (Minions)

Best Lights Award – Craig & Trisha Brown (Ski Boat)

Best Lights Award – Heath & Jennifer Ivers (Christmas Tree)

Best Lights Award – Warren & Katrina Midki1ff

Best Lights Award – Matt, Olivia, Riley & Payton Moorehead (Big Tree)

Best Theme Award – Ty Eubanks & Tim Connor (Tree Delivery)

Best Theme Award – Rob Mora & Lainie Cooney (Santa’s Sleigh)

Best Theme Award – Justin & Carly Mallicone (Nativity)

Best Theme Award – Beau & Stacy Brenton (Christmas Vacation)

Best Theme Award – Don & Gail Davie (Wagon Full of Elves)

In addition to the fun event and community Christmas spirit the parade provides, the purpose of the annual parade is to collect toys for the underprivileged children in the area.

Santa and Mrs. Claus and a few elves fill this cart in the 10th Annual Canyon Lake Toy Drive and Christmas Cart Parade on Sunday. 528 carts participated in the parade that ran the full length of Canyon Lake Drive through the community. Photo by Ariana Shah

“It was such a blessing to receive all the donated toys,” Mike said. “We have received around 250 toys so far. I want to thank the POA, fire department, security, police department, the club members and the amazing people of Canyon Lake for making this such a successful event!”

Those who lined up to watch the parade cheered excitedly at all the golf carts after many had eagerly awaited the parade to begin.

The Street Carts of Canyon Lake Club values the notion of families helping families while emphasizing the neighborly values in Canyon Lake, club officials said. This annual Christmas Parade and Toy Drive exemplifies this core value of the club.

“Everyone is encouraged to donate to the toy drive,” Mike said. “We are accepting donated toys until Dec. 16.”

The entry fee for the carts who participated in the parade was a donated toy. Toys were also dropped off at Eastport Park after the parade. Others can donate new and unwrapped toys by putting them in a dropbox at 22055 Mustang Court from now until Wednesday. The toy box is checked daily and the toys will be distributed through Calvary Chapel Canyon Hills Food Pantry.

Monetary donations are also being solicited. For those wishing to make these donations should call Mike at 951-244-6461.