Canyon Lake gathers for Annual Cart Parade

The community spirit of Canyon Lake shone brightly during the annual Golf Cart Parade and Toy Drive on Sunday. The event saw over 80 creatively-decorated golf carts line up on Blue Bird Drive at 4:00 p.m., ready to bring holiday cheer to families who gathered to watch, complete with fires, treats, and snow machines adding to the festive ambiance.

Mike Shroyer, the event’s M.C. and organizer, was overwhelmed by the community’s enthusiasm and participation.

“I am so blown away by the amazing outpouring of support not only by those who participated in the parade, but also those coming out to watch it,” he said. “What an awesome community we live in.”

The event also served a charitable purpose, with toys collected at the Eastport Park to be distributed to the International Christian Adoption Agency in Temecula and Bethel Christian Adoption Agency in Riverside. Mike mentioned that additional toy donations are welcome at 22055 Mustang Court until Dec. 17, with the total number of toys donated to be announced after this date.

Photo provided by Canyon Lake Property Owners Association

The parade winners included a range of imaginative themes. The winners of the golf cart parade this year are Bryan and Christine Esterwoods – Reindeer and Santa, Paul and Tracy Klobetanz – Rubber Ducky, Lorenzo, Ava and Logan Strong – Santa’s Workshop, Josh Coelho – Canyon Lake Gone Wild, Wally and Lori Clark – Santa Best Theme, Beau and Stacy Brenton – Griswold, Michelle and Dennis Reams – Gremlins, Dave Dain – Beaver Dog, Dan Jaques – Star Wars, Craig and Tricia Brown – Boat, The Cassidy Family – Santa Jaws, Kevin Shawna Johnson – the Snowmen, Rob and Anela Richie – North Pole Express, Rob Moro and Lainie Cooney – Santa’s Sleigh, Jack Smith – Santa Bass Boat, Marc and Gina Allen – God Bless Canyon Lake, Steve and Sue Buckley – Rudolph, Adam Fisher – Candy Cane, Steve Kelly and Brooks Hauger – Bull, Andrew Durso – Grinch, and Diana and Brandon Karpowitz – A Tiki Christmas.

The creativity and effort put into all the golf carts in the parade were evident, with each cart bringing a unique flavor to the parade.

After the parade, Eastport Park became a hub of community activity, with residents gathering to enjoy music, food, and coffee vendors, and to admire the decorated carts. Mike summed up the event with heartfelt holiday wishes, saying, “Until next year, wishing everybody a Blessed and Merry Christmas.”

Parade Organizer Mike Shroyer stands in Santa’s Sleigh with Rob Moro, Lainie Cooney, Paul and Wendy Gallagher. Photo by Aprile DeAnne McKinnon

First-timers Kennedi Santolucito, 5 and Saylor Santolucito, 2. Photo by Aprile DeAnne McKinnon

Brandon and Diana Karpowitz wait in line with their Tiki Bar Golf Cart for the parade start. Photo by Aprile DeAnne McKinnon