The community enjoyed a great number of vendors, food, crafts and music at the first annual Spring in Anza festival Saturday, April 11, at the Anza Village Center.
The family-friendly event featured local crafters, food vendors, games and interactive displays designed to bring residents together for a day of springtime fun on a beautiful, sunny day.
“The Spring in Anza Festival, which benefits the Kids for Christmas, was a wonderful success,” said organizer Betsy Hansen. “We welcomed six food vendors offering everything from coffee drinks and lemonade to hamburgers, hot dogs, Peruvian dishes and homemade breads. Twenty-eight craft vendors filled the grounds with soaps and oils, plants, handmade birdhouses, local honey, alpaca clothing, candles, jewelry, quilts, homemade treats and much more.”
Each vendor contributed items to the raffle basket and donated a portion of their sales to the fundraiser cause. Raya Eklund from Raya’s Sweet Treats won the large donation raffle basket, packed with soaps, oils, a birdhouse and many other special gifts. She told organizers she bought $60 worth of tickets to win the prize.
Pam Grayshock won the San Diego Bay private yacht cruise for herself and ten friends.
Musical entertainment was provided by Danny Foye on guitar.
Representatives from the Anza Electric Cooperative displayed work trucks, and even supplied solar generators to power the electrical needs of an entire row of food vendors. Employees helped with raffles and handed out educational materials to Cooperative members. Entertainment and educational activities occurred throughout the day.
The festival celebrated community spirit while exhibiting local organizations, crafters, food vendors and artists.
Proceeds from this event will help buy holiday toys for Anza Valley youth.
“Your generous donations made this event a success and the kindness you showed will help bring extra joy, smiles and holiday magic to many children this coming season,” said Hansen. “We look forward to your continued support. Join us again for the Autumn in Anza festival fundraiser Saturday, Oct. 17.”
Participating artists, vendors and organizations included A 2 Z Dough, Bob Cochran Wood Items, Chris’s Bird Houses, Christi Pomije, Hacienda Bees, Hand Crafted by Ron, High Country Mercantile, High Desert Eclectic, Holistic Hair & Body, Hooligan’s Farm, Inca Boutique, Kathy Wood Gourd Bird Houses, Knöppelåsen,
Michele McMillan Gourd Art, Nourished, Palms to Pines HVAC, Inc., Pine & Picket Creations, Red Nation Creation, Sew What Girls, Anza Community Hall, Anza Quilters, Anza Thimble Club, Anza Valley Bread Co., Dirty Sodas, Happy Harlows & Friends, Anza Lion’s Club, Mesas Loca’s, Oχαραμρινο Peruvian, Pour Paradise, Reddawgs Dawgs, 4-H petting zoo, Friends of the Anza Library and Raya’s Treats.
For information on the upcoming Autumn in Anza festival fundraiser please call the Anza Electric Cooperative at (951)763-4333 ext 205.
The Anza Village Center is located at 39100 Contreras Rd. in Anza.
Diane Sieker can be reached by email at dsieker@reedermedia.com.
