Santa Claus and his wife visited the Lakeside Rodeo Grounds this past Saturday, much to the delight of hundreds of kids and their parents. The cloudy brisk morning felt as much like winter as we get here in the San Diego region, which only added to the excitement and joyous holiday spirit. Children of all ages were treated not only to a visit (and a photo) with Santa, but to a hot meal, some holiday entertainment, and wagon rides — all for free.
Santa Claus and his wife visited the Lakeside Rodeo Grounds this past Saturday, much to the delight of hundreds of kids and their parents. The cloudy brisk morning felt as much like winter as we get here in the San Diego region, which only added to the excitement and joyous holiday spirit. Children of all ages were treated not only to a visit (and a photo) with Santa, but to a hot meal, some holiday entertainment, and wagon rides — all for free.
Breakfast with Santa is sponsored by the El Capitan Stadium Association, home of the Lakeside Rodeo. Their motto is “working to support the youth of Lakeside,” and work they do. The non-profit association raises funds throughout the year to benefit the youth of Lakeside. They have been hosting this annual Santa event for the past 20 or so years and it’s all for the kids. This community event is free for kids (with only a small $3 fee for adults if they can afford it). Last year over 600 people attended the breakfast. This year it looked as though nearly as many would be served, if not more.
As the long line of parents and their children steadily grew outside the grounds’ main building, one could feel the anticipation building. When the doors finally opened at 9 a.m., each guest was greeted by one of Santa’s helpers. This elf looked suspiciously like Larry Skeels, a retired principal from the Lakeside Unified School District, who came all the way down from Oregon to participate. He does so every year.
Once inside, families were treated to a complete breakfast and a visit with the main man, Santa Claus. Kids got a free toy from Santa and a free photo from Rob of Rob Riingen Photography.
Outside the building, students from Lindo Park Elementary provided seasonal entertainment with Christmas carols and dance. The performing fourth- and fifth-graders were part of the school’s dancing choir class. One of their own, Abigail Hodges, wrote and choreographed a new version of an old favorite: “The Twelve Dogs of Christmas.” The crowd loved it.
Then came the wagon rides, courtesy of Lakeside resident Souix Munyon and her famous Belgian draft horses Bobby and Diesel. These horses are regular participants in numerous events, including the upcoming Rose Parade in Pasadena.
Souix also had a trio of donkeys on hand, including two minis that were a hit with the kids. Full-sized Willie is a local star and a therapy animal. When he’s not visiting rehabilitation centers and nurseries, Willie is part of a living nativity scene at Faith Chapel in Spring Valley.
At the reins and driving the Belgian team was another longtime Lakesider, LaDonne Hatley, ably assisted by her affable co-pilot Bennie the Chihuahua. LaDonne handled the horses like the pro that she is, easily wheeling them around the rodeo grounds to the glee of her passengers in the big wagon.
The ECSA, its contributors and all the volunteers who got involved in this great event deserve a warm and sincere thank you for such a successful and homegrown event.
