Menifee celebrates Independence Day early

Thousands of Menifee residents gathered in Wheatfield Park Saturday for the annual Independence Day parade, festival and fireworks show.

The event, sponsored by the City of Menifee and the Lake Menifee Women’s Club, included dozens of food and craft vendor booths that were visited by guests as they were entertained by musicians including Tim Apple and Revertigo. Others set up camp on the large grass areas while waiting for the 22-minute fireworks show.

A parade down La Piedra Road featured many youth groups, local businesses, and City Council members Mayor Bill Zimmerman, Lesa Sobek and Dean Deines. Riverside County Supervisor Chuck Washington also rode in the parade. Participants threw candy toward the side of the road for youngsters to collect.

In the baseball outfields, giant bounce houses and slides populated the Kids Zone. There was a Beer Garden for the adults and fun for everyone.

Here are some video highlights: