• The City of Wildomar Turns 10

The city threw a big 10th Birthday bash at Marna O'Brien park, and the attendees enjoyed their time at the celebration.

All three skydivers came in, hitting their marks, as they wowed those in attendance.

In years past, I had the chance to roam all over the park, trying to be in the right place at the right time, to get the best photos possible of the key moments, but this year I had a booth and was not able to roam around getting such shots. 

On the left, under the Edward Jones canopy, is the very affable Allen Montemagno. The nondescript blue canopy to the right is where team "Joseph Morabito for City Council" was set up. Twin Honda Fits parked on a city baseball field isn't something you see everyday.

Normally park event write ups are photo driven. But I only took about 2 photos this time (you've already seen them above ☺). So I'll just give a brief recap.

I give the city an A for planning, effort and execution. 

They planned out a fun late-afternoon that didn't end until 10pm. There were plenty of vendors, many run by local people, a ton of things for kids to do, two musical acts and after the sun went down, a laser show.

Over at the city booth, you could pick up a smartly designed brochure touting the city and community of Wildomar. If you didn't get one, contact city hall and see if there are still some available.

I was set up around the first base dugout on the southernmost ballfield. There were only a smattering of people the first 90 minutes or so (it was still nearly 100 degrees until past 5pm), and most people didn't even arrive until after 6:30pm from my vantage point.

Some vendors got to the park as early as 1:30 in the afternoon and the Summer Sun was relentless at times... people that stopped by the Edward Jones booth were offered a free bottle of water to stay hydrated (aren't I glad I was set up next door ☺). 

Like the brochure above, this special pin was available at the city booth. It was first shown at the previous city council meeting while cake was being served. This one is staying in the plastic so that my heirs, in 2118, will be able to sell it on ebay for $10. ☺

Even though the hours between 4pm and 6pm had sparse attendance, I still had a chance to talk to many people before the event was over. 

I'd say that 85% were from Wildomar, with one family coming in from Moreno Valley, because nothing was happening in their area according to the mom of the group.

Of the people in town, I'd say that it was evenly distributed from which part of the city they call home. I made a habit of asking how they heard about the event and I got replies that included: email, facebook, knowing Bridgette Moore, and driving by.

Suggestions for the next birthday celebration

After talking with attendees and vendors, I came up with a couple of suggestions.
1: Change the start time from 4pm to 6pm
2: Do an "Alice in Wonderland" un-birthday party in March, and heat won't be an issue.
3: I heard that the town itslef was established in November, so the second Saturday in November could work. Far enough away from Halloween, and still before Thanksgiving, but close enough to Christmas that there could be more interest in vendors with crafts. 

All in all, it was a great evening. I can't blame the organizers for people choosing to stay home, it was hot until the Sun was mostly set... but in the end, they're the ones that missed out.

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Imagine just one birthday every year. Ah, but there are 364 unbirthdays!
– Mad Hatter

Imagine just one Wildomar Rap every year... in your dreams!  ☺

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