Hometown spirit parades through historic Lake Elsinore

With a visual buffet of more than 100 entrants, from the swirling hems of colorful Ballet Folklorico dancers, drum majors leading middle and high school marching bands, energetic cheerleaders and waves from Snow White and Santa Claus, spectators cheered and clapped during the city of Lake Elsinore’s Unity in the Community parade on Saturday, November 18. The occasional shower of candy from cruising floats and cars sent youngsters scrambling to scoop up the treats in their wake.

In the spirit of the parade’s theme, “Celebrating California History,” participants dressed as pioneers, Native Americans and other historic figures. Swags of American flags and red, white and blue decorations decorated many of the vehicles and floats. A rustic pickup truck rumbled through, pulling a tumbleweed-adorned float honoring four generations of settlers. Brownies and other Girl Scouts, Elsinore High School ROTC members and other local schoolchildren were among the participants.

Dressed in a vivid green and white uniform, 6-year-old Sarah Johnson of Lake Elsinore still had enough sparkle and energy post-parade to exhibit a selection of high kicks and synchronized arm movements she used as a member of the Rice Canyon Elementary School drill team. Marching with the school’s choir and other students, the pint-sized Rice Canyon Raptors cheered their theme song, Sarah’s mom, Kim, described later. “It was good,” Sarah said of her first parade experience.

The Reynen sisters are veterans of the parade and have gotten their “royal waves” down to perfection. As reigning Miss Canyon Lake Pre-Teen 2006, 13-year-old Nikki Reynen is holding the title for the second year. Her 17-year-old sister Tara is the current Miss Canyon Lake Teen 2006 and a former Miss Pre-Teen 2004 and 2005. In their divisions, winners are chosen based on talent, academic achievement and community service. Despite their accolades, the siblings are modest about their tiara-wearing duties in the community.

“It’s a real honor to participate in the parade,” said Tara, a senior at Temescal Canyon High School. “We like to have fun and actually do ‘the wave.’”

“It’s really fun,” said Nikki, a freshman at Bundy Canyon Christian School in Wildomar. “It’s good to show that we’re all together.”

As cheer coordinator for parade winner Tri-Lake Thunderstorm Football and Cheer, Traci Bretto of Lake Elsinore contacted the parade organizers for their first-time appearance. With about half of the cheer squad on duty at championship games, the other 25 members competed in front of the judges to capture second place in the military precision category. Elsinore High School ROTC placed first. “I think the girls really enjoyed themselves,” said Bretto, whose three daughters, Amber, 5, Melyssa, 6, and Genny, 12, are part of the group.

Co-organizer Kathye Aniol, along with school trustee Jeanie Corral, started the annual tradition ten years ago. The basic idea was to showcase the children in the community. “We try to celebrate, uplift and upgrade the community in a positive spirit,” she said.

Sweepstakes Judge’s Choice

LAKESIDE HIGH SCHOOL

(ALL PARTICIPANTS)

Judge’s Choice

FAMILY SERVICES/HEAD START

Best Military Precision

First Place

ELSINORE HIGH SCHOOL ROTC

Second Place

THUNDERSTORM CHEER

Third Place

CALIFORNIA SHITORYU KARATE

Most Colorful

CALIFORNIA YOUTH

SPIRIT CORPS

Most Comical

JEAN HAYMAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Most Elegant

BALLET FOLKLORIO

Most Patriotic

MACHADO ELEMENTARY SCHOOOL

Most Unusual

WITHROW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Best Float

First Place

COLLIER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Second Place

ROTARY INTERACT CLUB

Third Place

RAILROAD CANYON ELEMENTARY

Best Performance

First Place

ELSINORE HIGH BAND & COLOR GUARD

Second Place

TERRA COTTA MIDDLE SCHOOL BAND

Third Place

TEMESCAL CANYON HIGH BAND

Best Use of Theme

First Place

WILDOMAR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Second Place

PIONEER LUMBER

Third Place

DONALD GRAHAM SCHOOL

Best School Spirit

First Place

ELSINORE MIDDLE SCHOOL CHEER

Second Place

CANYON LAKE MIDDLE SCHOOL CHEER

Third Place

RICE CANYON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL