Fiesta Hopper can’t come fast enough

BY Aprile McKinnon

Happy Friday Canyon Lake,

I am wishing you the best as we move closer to Fiesta Hopper. It’s such a great time here in the lake and for many they wait all year for this event alone.

When I first moved to Canyon Lake, friends and community members were so excited to share with me about the event. My son was just a little kiddo and we had no idea what to expect. He was thrilled and thought we moved to Disneyland the first time we experienced what was then called Fiesta Day over 10 years ago.

I will never forget his raspy young voice as he shared his excitement for our first time being in the parade. I have to be honest with you, I was putting in a lot of work hours in and the thought of getting up to be in the parade and represent our little gift shop we owned in the Town Center seemed to give me anxiety.

Shaun McKinnon, Alyssa Allen and Mackenzie Allen anxiously await the Fiesta Day activities to begin and the parade to start a decade ago.Photo by Aprile DeAnne McKinnon

The anxiety soon subsided as we got in the car and played music and the kids threw out candy in my old Chevy HHR. Shaun and his friends were so happy to be a part of that day. The parade ended and my son was off to the next big adventure.

I remember running into so many wonderful people who we had met since moving to the lake. I had a great deal of customers who supported our gift shop and it was a blast to run into them that day and see them on the streets as we tossed candy out of our car. I still get a little bit of butterflies in my stomach just thinking back on the fun we had and the anticipation that led up to the big day.

This year we have reservations at Happy Camp. This Happy Camper has nothing on my list of things to do but enjoy the three days at multiple parks that the Park Hopper has to offer. You will, of course, see me out taking pictures and doing some interviews. I can’t wait to see the entertainment. I am thankful to be a part of that for many years. This year, I am excited to see Joseph Luna sing the National Anthem for the first time at the Fire Station on that Sunday. I know it is going to be a heartwarming event as they dedicate the 9/11 Memorial.

I would love to hear from you and your experience on this wonderful weekend ahead of us. Please feel free to reach out to me anytime if you have pictures to share or a personal story. My favorite thing is to write about this community‘s stories. Contact me at aprile@goldingpublications.com.

See you around. I hope to run into you at the Choraleers concert this weekend. Enjoy this beautiful community! Most of all, enjoy one another.