Independence Day Festival returns in full swing

Story and photos by Paige Mendez, Correspondent

The Lake Menifee Women’s Club partnered with the City of Menifee to put on the annual Independence Day festival Saturday night at Wheatfield Park. Although the festival is not new to the community, many newcomers may have experienced the full festival it for the first time due to COVID restrictions over the past two years.

With over 40 vendors, five local performers, a 20-minute firework show and a park full of attractions for all ages, the festival was back in full swing. Mayor Bill Zimmerman said these efforts were all part of what he hopes was a unifying experience for the community.

“When you have a town of 105,000 people, you want to make sure you’re entertaining them to improve the quality of life,” he said.

Ivette Taylor, president of the Lake Menifee Women’s Club, said her club works hard for events like these because the funds raised will be given back to the community.

“The vendor fees go to our organization and then we use those proceeds right back in the community—supporting our local law enforcement, supporting women who find themselves in abusive situations through Alternatives for Domestic Violence, Foster Care and more,” Taylor said of Saturday’s event.

In 1990 when the club organized the first festival for the city, the women found out that the cost of fireworks would be cut in half if they planned the festival the week before Independence Day. That started a tradition the city hasn’t deviated from, with each festival happening a week before July 4.

This year was special for council member Lesa Sobek, who said she and many others in the community missed the event these past two years.

“We enjoy watching the families and residents have fun,” said Sobek. “It’s a tradition we are glad has come back and it’s so exciting to see so many people come out and have a good time.”