Park Hopper spreads out the fun

BY Ariana Shah

The Canyon Lake Property Owners Association pulled a rabbit out of the hat in its attempt to appease both Canyon Lakers clamouring for Fiesta Day events and state officials and their COVID-19 restrictions. The Canyon Lake POA’s Park Hopper Event abided by the outdoor restrictions by spreading out the crowds and created dozens of fulfilling and fun events.

The three days of activities, concerts, food and vendors attracted crowds to each of five parks in the community. After a Friday night activity at the Lodge, Saturday and Sunday were filled with events that ranged from full concerts to jugglers.

“I really enjoy coming to Canyon Lake; this event was so fun,” Charity White, a mother who was a guest of a Canyon Lake friend. “I felt so safe with my young daughter as we traveled to the different parks, which was very important to me.”

The event replaced the traditional Fiesta Day, which occurs annually in Canyon Lake during the Memorial Day weekend, but was canceled this year and last year because of COVID-19. The Canyon Lake POA was determined to find a worthwhile and COVID-19 safe activity for the community this year.

The Pool at the Lodge was the site for the Mini-Paddle Boat activity on Sunday. Boats filled the pool for a couple of hours where kids of all ages enjoyed the sunny event. Photo by Amanda Wede .

“Not only did I feel safer with my children,” Amanda Wede, a resident, said about the social distancing. “There was just so much to do! It was fantastic. Everyone seemed to enjoy it.”

The POA-sponsored events spread out to five different parks in the community throughout the weekend.

Holiday Harbor held vendor fairs of local businesses, food trucks, and concerts from Black Rock Candy and Southern Reign.

The lodge held a movie, tournaments, a ski show, and food trucks.

Indian Beach hosted a vendor fair, reptile show, a DJ, and a movie in the park during the night.

Sierra Park hosted a car show, food trucks, and a vendor fair.

Eastport Park held free pickleball and bike riding lessons along with a petting zoo.

Local businesses were eager to share their products and ventures with the community since vendor fairs had been halted due to the pandemic’s Purple and Red Tiers.

Anthony Riniti shows a patron a card trick at the Lodge at his scuba magic booth.

“We’re just glad to be out here,” Anton Riniti, a vendor who was promoting scuba diving lessons and the Canyon Lake Ocean Dwellers Club. “The turnout was spectacular, and the community is always very supportive.”

Members of the Canyon Lake Junior Women’s Club also sponsored a booth at Holiday Harbor to promote their club and provide swag merchandise.

“This event was different from anything we’ve done before,” Heather Rose, a CLJWC member, said. “However, it was so enjoyable and memorable. It  feels like we’re getting back to a sense of normalcy in the community.”

Lawrence Evans, a director of Helping Hands, and Lisa Jones, a volunteer, show the donations they received at their Lodge booth.

Food trucks line up to feed the hundreds of attendees at the Park Hopper event.

Southern Reign plays to those in boats anchored down at Holiday Harbor. Those not on boats enjoyed the music as they sat down near the stage. The Canyon Lake POA Park Hopper event was held similtaneously at five different Canyon Lake parks over the Memorial Day weekend. With events spread out, COVID-19 restrictions were adhered to.

Photo by Ariana Shah

Photo by Ariana Shah

Photo by Ariana Shah

Photo by Ariana Shah

Photo by Ariana Shah

Photo by Ariana Shah

Photo by Ariana Shah

Photo by Ariana Shah

Photo by Ariana Shah