Menifee Independence Day Celebration

Story and Photos by David Baker

Like most of the population of Menifee, my family and I were present for the annual Menifee Independence Day Celebration and subsequent fireworks display. Some of the usual sights were the Cub Scouts of Pack 374, and the Sheriffs Department Mounted Posse, who had a very busy weekend by the way (click here for more info on that). At 3 years old, my youngest son Joshuah was very pleased, and maybe a little confused, when I not only allowed him to step off the curb as vehicles were going by but also to pick up candy off the ground, thrown to him by strangers, the prefect trinity of preschooler no-no's.

Midnight Ride

We got to the end of the parade route, had a nice picnic dinner to the sounds of Midnight Ride, a pretty decent cover band, consisting of Drummer Alejandro, Bassist/Vocalist Shawn, Guitarist Eddie, Lead Vocalist Trent. The crowd seemed to become a little more involved when they covered Ozzy Osbourne's "Crazy Train". 

Ryder Lawrence age 7

Next we enjoyed Gale Webb's Extreme Sports Show. We've seen their act in years past. Our family favorite is always Ryder Lawrence, now 7 years old. We first saw him perform when he was 4. His dad has been riding BMX bikes for years and this apple did not fall far from the tree. At 7 this kid is more proficient than I ever could have claimed to be. To this day I have yet to even pop a wheelie.

To her credit Gale Webb has an inspiring story too. She was a skydiver 30 years ago whose parachute didn't open. She broke her neck and back, and was told she wouldn't walk again. She proved them wrong and went through years of physical therapy to relearn how to walk. While she was in recovery her best friend died of a drug overdose. She made a promise then to spread a just-say-no message wherever she goes. 

VFW Post 1956

As I walked around there were a number of different food vendors, and gift shops selling various gadgetry. Amid all the commercialism, however, there were a few noteworthy service organizations present as well. I saw the Sun City VFW Post 1956 collecting donations, the Menifee Valley Community Cupboard selling some of their holiday themed merchandise, the Faithful Servants Outreach collecting donations and painting faces. The Menifee Police Department was there to put on demonstrations, and Valleywide Recreation even did a cakewalk. Nearby I saw a Rock wall and line up of bounce houses. Through all of this hustle and bustle I was thankful to realize the meaning of the day was not lost.

No, they do not

I  began to see people decked in patriotic garb. I saw families embracing, people laughing, and even a group of boys breaking out into a spontaneous game of catch on the baseball field. To me that is what the holiday is about. Celebrating the freedoms that we have earned through generations of work and sacrifice. I am incredibly thankful.

The evening concluded with a wonderful fireworks display and a thrilling marshmallow fight out in left field. Thanks everyone for a great night.

There's something ironic when a group of Ozzy fans listens to Crazy Train in polite formation

Menifee Valley Little League Closing Ceremonies

The crack of the bat, the roar of the crowd, popcorn, peanuts, and cracker jacks, are all iconic symbols of the United States of America. They are so ingrained into our culture that I didn't even have to specifically mention the word baseball for you to understand what I was talking about. 

Like so many kids out there I played baseball as a kid. I played at church, at school, and even on a Pony baseball team for a few years. There were some great times I had doing it too. I learned to catch, throw, steal bases, but most of all I learned that my future was not in athletics. Don't get me wrong, I know my way around a field and could probably hold my own in a friendly neighborhood game. However if my family's livelihood depended on it we would be eating a lot of hamburger helper. Still I look back on those years and experiences with extreme fondness. This weekend another generation of youngsters got to celebrate making another season of memories too.

A mother and son play catch before the ceremony

This was the scene at 8:30 this Saturday morning as families gathered to celebrate and acknowledge achievements made throughout the season. As I walked around, people greeted me with smiles and waves. I saw families arriving with ice chests, and barbecue grills ready for a fun summer's day. There was even a bounce house and obstacle course for the kids, courtesy of ABC Bounce Co.

As the MVLL called the ceremonies to order. parents and players lined up in the outfield and faced a table laden with trophies. Everone turned towards the flag and recited the pledge of allegiance, and then gave their traditional promise: "Trust in God, Love my Country. I'll play fair and strive to win, but win or lose I will always do my best." followed by a rousing cry of, "PLAY BALL!" Many awards were given that day. While all were significant, one of the more noteable awards went to Amy Ross Frahn. Ms. Frahn received the Jesse Zingg "Making a Difference Award" for her contribution to MVLL as well as the community in general.

The award was named for Jesse Zingg, a former player of many years who passed away at the age of 21 due to a car crash, however his donated organs saved five lives. Board elections and Fall signups began Saturday as well.  For more detailed information please visit the official MVLL website at http://www.eteamz.com/mvll/

Bounce House provided by ABC Bounce Co.

The awards table had plenty to hand out courtesy of Anady's Trophies and Awards in Hemet

Players and their families await the beginning of the ceremony