Tag Archives: mission viejo events

Candy Houses TAB Event

Posted on by
Reply

Every year, the Mission Viejo Library hosts Santa’s Village in connection to the North Paseo Night Market. And once each year, the library’s Teen Advisory Board hosts the Candy Houses station outside during Santa’s Village. It is one of the busiest and most exciting events for the library and its guests; family, kids, and teens alike.

What is the Candy Houses booth? It’s a fun activity during Santa’s Village that many can participate in (for as long as supplies last!). The members of Mission Viejo Library’s Teen Advisory Board (TAB) help to supply each guest with graham crackers and the candy of their choosing in order for each individual to create their own candy house! The candy houses–based off of gingerbread houses–can be created at tables nearby the booth and enjoyed amongst all ages.

The Candy Houses booth is a great experience for families to bond and have fun. No matter what time you get in line–whether it is your first activity at Santa’s Village or one you stumble across later on–it’s a great and delicious way to spend your time. 

So far, the Candy Houses booth has been a success. As the library plans for this event, they order more and more supplies, and yet, it never seems to make it until the end of the night as even more people show up year after year. This year was no exception; despite the mass amount of supplies, we found ourselves still needing more. The line to the booth seems to get longer every time it is hosted which means that (as long as the trend continues) we have to be prepared for even more to come next year! 

All in all, Santa’s Village and the Whoville Night Market were a success once again. And just like prior years, TAB’s Candy Houses booth was just as busy and just as fun. If you haven’t experienced it, I highly recommend checking it out next year. It’s open to everyone so don’t be a stranger and enjoy!

-Nicole R.

Fourth of July Street Faire: An Insider’s Perspective

Posted on by
Reply

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.

New Hip Hop Class will have Students Moving to The Beat

Posted on by
Reply

photo by flickr user bobbievie

photo by flickr user bobbie vie

Local middle school students listen up: If you’re interested in learning the latest hip-hop moves, then sign up for the new 6-week Hip-Hop class that’s part of the Middle School Enrichment Program at the Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center.

More than 40 years old, hip-hop dance became widely known after the first professional street-based dance crews formed in the 1970s. Led by Artist Director Sharon Sandor of Sol Dance Academy, the hour-long class, which starts February 26 at 3:45 p.m., will teach students an array of cool moves, and they’ll be invited to show off their newfound skills at this year’s Arts Alive Festival and Street Painting event on May 3.
Along with hip-hop, the Middle School After-School Enrichment Program features a cornucopia of courses like print making, guitar, pottery, financial basics for teens, Algebra, chess club and art.

Participants must be in grades 6 – 8 to take part in the courses that each cost $25. Register online at econnect.cityofmissionviejo.org or call 949-470-3062.

The Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center is at 24932 Veterans Way, Mission Viejo, CA.