200 kids grab eggs at Sunday Easter Carnival
More than 200 children and their families jammed into Holiday Harbor Park Sunday for games, festivities and egg hunts at the 10th Annual Canyon Lake Family Matters Club Easter Egg Hunt and Carnival. Participants enjoyed a variety of carnival games, an eagerly-anticipated egg hunt in the egg village, and a host of other activities designed for community enjoyment.
The event featured photo opportunities with Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny, firefighter hats provided by the Canyon Lake Fire Department, bingo, crafts, face painting, and delicious food options including pancakes, sausage, bacon, fresh fruit, and flavored cotton candy by JK Catering.
Club Founder Shawna Bowen expressed gratitude towards the attendees, volunteers, and contributing clubs.
“On behalf of Family Matters, I personally want to thank all the families who came out and supported the event,” Shawna said. “I also want to thank all the volunteers who took time out of their days to ensure this year‘s Easter carnival was the success it was.”
Photo by Katia Barron
The event was supported by generous donations from the Canyon Lake Car Club, Solar Going Up, Cindy Cameron, and other community members who contributed items from the club’s wish-list.
“Not only did we have an abundance of volunteers, but we were able to welcome other clubs to the event,” Shawna said. “A big shout out along with a big thank you from The Family Matters Club to The Emergency Preparedness group and the Mermaids of Canyon Lake for setting up their booths and being a part of the carnival. The families, the volunteers, the sponsors, the clubs, our vendors, that is what makes this community a special place.”
Jeannie Hoonnirun, president of the Family Matters Club, emphasized the club’s goals.
“Family Matters is all about giving back to the community,” Jeannie said. “I love being a part of this club and helping bring the community together, one family at a time.”
Photo by Katia Barron
Volunteer Jan Lowrance-Meyer shared her joy at volunteering alongside her 13-year-old granddaughter, Nicole Meyer, who was thrilled to participate.
“I loved being able to volunteer for the first time,” Nicole said. “I love volunteering because when I help someone, they always have a big smile on their face. People are just nice, and I love the way that makes me feel.”
The carnival also saw participation from Miss Canyon Lake 2024 Rebecca Bushard and a member of her Royal Court, Ayden Wagstaff, assisting with photos with the Easter Bunny.
Dawn Rankins, club vice president, reflected on the extensive planning involved in organizing such community events and expressed her appreciation for Canyon Lake’s clubs.
“When I joined Family Matters, I didn’t realize the countless hours that went into planning huge, community events like the Easter Carnival,” Dawn said. “Now that I am a part of this club, I have a new respect for everything that goes into making events such as this weekend spectacular and that respect goes, not only for Family Matters, but for all the clubs in Canyon Lake.”
Shawna extended thanks to volunteers Brian and Kathy Wood, Dave and Sandy Humprey, Tarrie Sullivan, Larry Mar, John Foster, Jan and Nicole Meyer, and many others, including volunteers from neighboring Lake Elsinore, for their dedication and hard work.
Six-month-Delilah cuddles with one of the Easter Bunnies at the photo booth at the Family Matters Easter Egg Hunt and Carnival Sunday. Photo by Katia Barron
Brothers Devereux, 2, Duke, 6, and Dane, 4, collect eggs at the Family Matters Club Easter Egg Hunt. Photo by Katia Barron
Neriah, 7, shows off the results of her visit to the face painting booth. Photo by Katia Barron