Menifee residents filled Wheatfield Park on Saturday as the city celebrated America’s 250th birthday during its annual Independence Celebration, featuring a parade, live entertainment and a fireworks show.
The evening began with the annual community parade, which traveled from Mt. San Jacinto College along La Piedra Road before ending at Wheatfield Park. The procession featured elected officials, Menifee Union School District board members, local organizations, businesses and student groups.Â
The parade also included awards recognizing standout entries. Chick-fil-A Menifee received the Most Humorous award, the Liberty High School cheer team was recognized as Most Original, and the Eagle Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution earned the Most Patriotic award.Â
Speaking with Menifee 24/7 after the parade, Menifee Mayor Ricky Estrada said this year’s celebration held special meaning for him following his recent military deployment.
“This is a very special anniversary for the entire country,” Estrada said. “Returning home from my military deployment, I have a deep appreciation for our country and all of the values that our service members at home and overseas fight to defend. I’m very proud to be an American, and I’m very proud to be a Menifee resident and to serve the city.”
Estrada said the annual celebration has become an opportunity to bring residents together as Menifee continues to grow.
“We have so many new residents here in the City of Menifee,” he said. “It’s our biggest event of the year, and we hope to make it special because we love our country and we love our city.”
Also attending the celebration was special guest U.S. Rep. Young Kim, who reflected on the nation’s milestone anniversary.Â
Following the parade, families spread throughout the park to enjoy food vendors, craft booths and community exhibits while children explored the expanded Kids Zone. The area featured more than a dozen inflatable attractions, face painting and games.
Throughout the evening, stilt walkers and other performers entertained attendees around the park before crowds gathered near the main stage for live music.
Fluminis, an alternative rock band from Riverside, opened the evening before headliner Phat Cat Swinger took the stage. The swing band turned the lawn into a dance floor as attendees danced in front of the stage.
The evening concluded with a fireworks show at 9 p.m., lighting the night sky in red, white and blue as patriotic music played throughout the park.
