Kids show up for their Superhero training

Superheroes filled Holiday Harbor Park Saturday dressed to impress and were trained by other superheroes who were also costumed appropriately. Holiday Harbor had to be the safest place on earth during the Canyon Lake Family Matters Superhero Training Academy.

Kids of all ages turned out dressed in their superhero costumes to enjoy games and take photos with some of the galaxies’ finest superheroes who took time out of their busy schedules to come visit the kiddos of Canyon Lake.

Photo provided by Canyon Lake Family Matters Club

The Family Matters Club wanted to bring something new to the kids of Canyon Lake and they did just that with Superhero Day, Club Vice President Dawn Rankins said.

“This was our first Superhero Day and I’m really excited with the turn out we had,” Club Founder Shawna Bowen said. “Next year will be even better.”

In addition to the vendor booths set up at the event, the superhero kids participated in several training exercises. Some of the sessions included an ID Badge Station, mask making, crafts, games, photo ops, a costume contest, etc.

Each of the participating kids purchased a special superhero wristband for $10.

“I am so grateful for those who took time to come and help us set up and tear down the tents and games,” Shawna said. “The dedication to this community and to Family Matters by these people is by far one of the main reasons we are able to bring events like this to Canyon Lake.”

Photo provided by Canyon Lake Family Matters Club

Others who helped with the event were members of the Canyon Lake Community Theater group and the Canyon Lake Emergency Preparedness to Riverside County’s District 2.

“The Family Matters Club would like to express our deepest gratitude to our sponsors, Solar Going Up, JPS Electrical and Dawna Thibodeau,” Club President Jeannie Hoonnirun said. “Our sponsors never disappoint, and they make a huge difference in what we bring to the events.”

“This was an absolutely wonderful event,” Kathy Wood said. “Look at all the fun the kids are having.”

“I think for the first Canyon Lake superhero event, this was amazing,” Donna Lovejoy said.

The club now turns its attention to one of its most-popular events of the year in the upcoming Halloween Carnival which will be on Oct. 29. They are looking forward to having all the kids of Canyon Lake come out and enjoy the annual carnival.