City announces lineup of upcoming events

The City of Menifee has several special events coming in the next few weeks. Here’s a capsule look at what’s coming up:

Haunt Your House: Residents can submit their masterfully decorated homes for the annual Haunt Your House. Contestants can submit their spooky homes online at www.cityofmenifee.us/specialevents. Entries will be accepted through Monday, Oct. 16.

Residents will be able to vote for their favorites through an interactive map on the City’s website between Wednesday, Oct. 18 and Sunday, Oct. 22. Winners will be announced on social media and the City’s Special Events webpage on Thursday, Oct. 26.

Fall Festival and Birthday Bash: The City’s annual Fall Festival will kick off on Saturday, Oct. 21 from 4-8 p.m. at Mt. San Jacinto College (28237 La Piedra Road.). In support of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, this year’s event will offer a FREE Kid-Zone wristband to all who donate a full-sized toiletry item to Alternatives to Domestic Violence, an organization that provides a range of services aimed at breaking the cycle of physical and emotional violence within families and the community. Cash and Venmo donations will also be accepted with all proceeds benefiting Alternatives to Domestic Violence. Fall Festival highlights include:

-- Costume Contests (for people aged 19 and younger and pets. To register, visit www.cityofmenifee.us/events)
-- Community Performances
-- Kid-Zone (free admission with donation to our Domestic Violence Awareness Booth)
-- Entertainment
-- Food and Craft Vendors

Dia de los Muertos Celebration: The Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration will be hosted at Mt. San Jacinto College on Saturday, Oct. 28 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Dia de los Muertos is a traditional Mexican holiday in which families honor their loved ones by inviting the souls of the deceased back to earth. Music, feasting, dancing, and more activities make this cultural holiday a celebration of life. Celebration highlights include:

-- Live Entertainment
-- Catrina Contest
-- Dance Performances by Local Performers
-- Children’s Activities
-- Food and Craft Vendors

The Public is invited to participate in a Dia de los Muertos community altar hosted and designed by our Community Services Department. Residents are encouraged to bring photos of loved ones and small offerings to be displayed throughout the event. Families can request space for an individual altar by emailing culturalarts@cityofmenifee.us.

Veterans Day: Celebrate and honor the veterans in our community on Saturday, Nov. 11 from 10 a.m. to noon at Wheatfield Park (30627 Menifee Road.). This family-friendly event will include special presentations and speeches. Veterans and families can explore local resources and meet service providers. The winners for the annual Veterans’ Day art contest will also be showcased at this event.

Trot for a Cause: Get ready to jump, climb, crawl, slide, run, and laugh your way through this 5K/Fun Run! Trot for a Cause will take place on Saturday, Nov. 18 from 9 a.m. to noon at Central Park (30268 Civic Plaza Drive). The event will offer a variety of FUN obstacles, including inflatables, color bombs, mazes, tire runs, potato sack races, and more to keep you smiling the whole way through.

In addition to a $10 registration fee, the donation of three canned goods per participant is required. All food donations will benefit the Menifee Community Cupboard. For more information and to register, please call our Community Services Department at 951-723-3880 or visit www.cityofmenifee.us/healthymenifee.

For more information about all of the seasonal events or to get involved in any future special events, contact the Community Services Department at www.cityofmenifee.us/specialevents, email communityservices@cityofmenifee.us, or call 951-723-3880.