Large crowd attends Santa's Hoof Camp at Marketplace

Menifee 24/7 photos by Doug Spoon

Countryside Marketplace in Menifee hosted one of its biggest crowds ever Saturday when residents and their children braved long lines in exchange for wide smiles at the first Santa's Hoof Camp.

The event, sponsored by the management of the popular shopping center at Newport Road and Haun Road, included a visit with Santa, face painting, reindeer, a balloon artist and more. This was the kickoff event for a program that will include appearances by Santa at the center every Saturday through Dec. 21 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.