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Menifee tree-lighting draws families to MSJC campus; acting mayor praises community as deployed mayor is honored
Summary
Menifee’s holiday tree-lighting at the MSJC campus featured a parade, vendors, performances and a snow play area for children. Acting Mayor Bob Carwin thanked residents, noted Mayor Ricky Estrada’s military deployment and promoted family activities including a follow-up ‘Breakfast with Santa.’
Menifee’s annual tree-lighting ceremony at the Mount San Jacinto College (MSJC) campus brought families together Saturday for a parade, vendors, stage performances and a snow play area for children, hosts said.
Host Jay Wagers and co-host Gabriella Madrigal opened the event broadcast by noting the celebration’s growth from Old City Hall and Town Center to the larger MSJC site to accommodate the crowd. Vendors, including the family-run M and M custom designs, displayed holiday goods; the M and M painter said the business typically sells at the Canyon Lake Farmers Market and that the “M and M” name honors grandchildren Marty and Madison.
Acting Mayor Bob Carwin addressed the crowd, praising Menifee as a "city for families" and thanking residents for turnout and support. "Our mayor Ricky Estrada is a member of the United States Air Force Reserves," Carwin said, "and his unit from March Air Reserve Base was deployed to active duty." Carwin asked the crowd to applaud Estrada and his wife Naomi for their service and presence in the community.
Carwin also acknowledged the family focus of the night and encouraged attendees to remember Menifee's community events when asked whether the city has activities for families.
Santa and Mrs. Claus greeted families and took questions from hosts and children. Santa said, "Everyone is on my good list right now," while Mrs. Claus said her favorite part of the event was "the kids." Children read letters and shared wish lists — including requests for a Barbie doll, a bike and rollerblades — and then lined up to see the holiday characters.
Event staff led a public countdown from 10 to 1 and the tree was lit to applause. Organizers also promoted a follow-up community activity: "Breakfast with Santa," scheduled for next Saturday.
There were no formal votes or policy actions at the event; remarks focused on community celebration, vendor support and family activities. The broadcast concluded with hosts and officials thanking performers, vendors and attendees and wishing the crowd a Merry Christmas.
Next steps: organizers encouraged attendees to check the city calendar for upcoming family events and to return for the scheduled "Breakfast with Santa."
