The Oso Fit 5K Fun Run and Community Health Fair is an annual event in Mission Viejo and focuses on promoting health and wellness. This event is hosted by the City of Mission Viejo and the Mission Viejo Chamber of Commerce. There is a 5K as well as a kids’ quarter and half mile run. If you walk around the free Community Health Fair, there are more than 100 health and wellness organizations offering giveaways, handouts and free health screenings. All of the runs are along the scenic Oso Creek Trail. The fire department had little firefighter hats that they were handing out to the kids. There was music, and different food vendors who had lots to offer as well. I was there hosting a craft table with the Mission Viejo Activities Committee and got to see witness all the joy that was at this event.
Why I loved it, and why you should go next year:
There are so many cool vendors that have super fun games, crafts, and more.
It is a wonderful all-inclusive experience for the whole family to join in on.
This event supports and gives back to local charities (which we all want).
The medal has the Oso Fit bear mascot on it.
As a Mission Viejo Activities Committee volunteer, this event is great because you get a lot of hours for helping the community with activities and crafts.
You can find pictures of this awesome event on Instagram @mvactivities and at this hashtag: #osofit5k
This year, Mission Viejo brought back their famous Fourth of July Street Faire, and once again, they went all out for this celebration! Every year, the Mission Viejo Activities Committee (MVAC) gathers people of all ages to enjoy different foods, interest booths, and attractions scattered around Olympiad Road. For easy accessibility, they even provided shuttles available from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. to provide transportation for everyone.
There is something for everyone in this event; stretching from Marguerite to Melinda Parkway, this Fourth of July Street was packed with diverse booths and activities. This year, vendors brought many fun items to promote their small businesses, from stylish clothes and accessories to professionally taken photographs. For those looking for extra fun, other booths provided a space to take on fun crafts or play exciting carnival-like games.
The Youth branch of MVAC hosted a craft booth for kids to make some fun, themed crafts relating to the Fourth of July. As a member of this branch, I helped to provide customizable firework rockets and wooden-starred wands to eager, creative kids looking for an enthusiastic environment. Other than booths, there were multiple food and dessert trucks scattered around the Street Faire grounds. Inclusive food options are a keystone to these events, so this year, these trucks provided delicious, vegetarian food options for everyone to try. At the Fourth of July Street Faire, there is a place for everyone in this community to have fun!
While passing by, I heard varying genres of music coming from three different stages, each spread out across the streets. Seeing artists and bands that originated in Mission Viejo was quite entertaining. The most intriguing aspect of these performances was how each stage had a different slate of music, from calm acoustic melodies to some indie and new wave hits. A new band performed every few hours, so next year, feel free to sit down by the bleachers and catch a show.
The scenery of the lake is astounding during this event. At around 9:00 p.m., when the sky turned dark and the heat decreased immensely, the famous Fireworks Spectacular began. Bright, vivid colors of red, white, and blue filled the night sky. Everyone was astonished and captivated by the large arrays of red, white, and blue lights. This moment is the most remarkable part of this night; not only does this attraction show the wonders of our city, but it also proves how important community is to the residents of Mission Viejo. Attending next year would be the perfect opportunity to have some summer fun, connect with the community, and celebrate the wonders that our city has to offer.
A warm thanks to the Mission Viejo Activities Committee for dedicating every year to planning this event. If you want to learn more about this event and the Committee, visit their website for more information.
The events MVAC hosts not only bring joy to the community, but also create lasting memories for you! Each meeting, every event has left me joyous and I have walked out with a smile on my face. It is so cool seeing the behind the scenes of the events that this city has and is a great way to get involved, no matter the age! There is something for everyone! Everyone who helps out enjoys being there, you will enjoy being there. The welcoming atmosphere, the supportive members, and everyone’s eagerness to get involved feels like a reward every time. I can assure you that there is not a single moment where I have not enjoyed being there, participating, and helping out.
You gain such valuable experiences!
As a MVAC member, there are endless opportunities for event-planning, volunteering, communication, and leadership that you are able to learn from. The hands-on involvement has improved my organizational skills and communication, all while getting the opportunity to give back to the community. The experiences you gain here empower you to excel in any future endeavors. You truly learn so much from each event, whether it’s seeing all the behind-the-scenes planning or seeing the importance of communication. The effort that goes on behind each event gave me true appreciation for all the events we host and I’m confident that you will see it too! From all the events I have volunteered at, MVAC is truly like no other.
You have an influence in decision making.
Whether you are a new or returning member, MVAC has always valued the opinions and suggestions of its members. Each monthly meeting is collaborative and engaging as they ask for feedback and opinions of each event. If you are looking to get involved, this is the place for you! I remember being mind-blown at my first meeting about how engaging the members are. You truly can make an impact here. It’s not a place you go and volunteer once at. There will always be more opportunities going on all year round.
MVAC has an incredibly supportive environment!
MVAC is full of exceptional people with all sorts of different experiences. When you walk into a meeting, you can immediately feel the warmth and welcoming energy that radiates from the room. Whether you are a new or returning member, you will feel the appreciation they have for all of their members. Each and every member cares about each other and by being in a room with like-minded individuals, you are bound to grow! When I first joined MVAC, I remember volunteering for the 4th of July Event where I met countless people, and the connections that I made was a driving factor in my decision to be so involved. Everyone wants you to be your best, everyone wants you to feel welcome. It is the perfect place to volunteer and meet new people.
You can give back to the community.
Like I mentioned previously, MVAC allows you to truly make an impact. Immediately, you have the opportunity to become an active participant in the community. Whether it’s helping organize or participate in various events and programs, you feel the impact you make. You feel the appreciation. The gratitude you get from volunteering is truly like no other. Out of every event I have volunteered at, MVAC Events have always left me with a warm feeling in my heart. The opportunities are endless. Once you start, you won’t ever look back. Whether it’s the Spring Boutique, 4th of July Street Faire, Santa’s Arrival, or other event, there is nothing more rewarding than helping your community.
Now that you’ve heard a little about my experience in MVAC, I truly hope you consider joining MVAC and hope to see you there! Here is the link to join! https://mvactivities.com/join-mvac
Mission Viejo Library Teen Voice 