The Put Unity in the Community Parade wound its way through the historic downtown of this changing city Saturday morning, bringing joy, hard work and more to participants and spectators.
The parade with the small-town feel featured about 100 local entrants, from Assemblyman Kevin Jeffries, the grand marshal, to smile-inducing youngsters in Scouting, school and sports groups, and others in various branches of the military.
As one new Heald Avenue resident summarized it, parades are positive things.
"There's a lot of happiness in it, if you know what I mean," said Rick Miller, 53, who sat on a truck tailgate in his driveway to watch the action.
Another spectator waved to a group of three distinguished-looking, uniformed veterans in a small military-green Jeep that had two large blue and gold Veterans of Foreign Wars flags fastened to it. The man shouted that the hoopla should be about them.
The men waved slowly back.
But the theme of the 13th annual parade was actually, "Celebrate Families," in recognition of residents in the community fighting cancer, said longtime volunteer organizer Jeanie Corral.
Another key organizer, Kathye Aniol, as well as parade announcer and former school board member Jeannine Martineau have cancer, Corral said.
Aniol, a mother of four whose youngest is still in high school, does not dwell on the negative when describing her ovarian cancer and chemotherapy and she said she did not consider stepping aside after being diagnosed in May.
"I'm going to keep going until I can't go anymore," she said. "That's pretty much my philosophy; I don't give up."
Aniol said she does it for the kids; that's it all about them having fun and feeling special.
Among the many colorful displays, 19 entrants won prizes, Aniol said.
Those included the combined cheer programs from Elsinore, Lakeside and Temescal Canyon high schools, which captured the sweepstakes award, and the Canyon Lake Middle School Cheer Team, which earned judge's choice.
Other awards went to the Lakeside High School Lancer Dancers for best performance; William Collier Elementary School for best float; Ronald Reagan Elementary for best use of theme; and the Lake Elsinore First Five Headstart for best use of school spirit.
Many of those parading threw candy as well as waves while Cynthia Paige of the Lake Elsinore Teachers Association handed out pencils with her grandson, 4-year-old Cameron Mattenson. Striding past them was Denee Selman, a teacher who wore a Goofy hat and seemed to be enjoying herself.
Not far behind, floating by in a group of California Youth Spirit Corps members, came sparklingly outfitted Jillian Coolbaugh, 6, trailed by her parents, Brent and Dana, and her older brother, Jared.
"It's old-fashioned fun that really makes me appreciate Lake Elsinore," Dana Coolbaugh said.
On the curb, many families watched, including Jessica Vasquez and Adrian Gama and their three children, who recently moved to town from San Diego.
Kayla, 6, attends Railroad Canyon Elementary and liked the old red trolley car that rumbled past and parade entry No. 50, also known as Molly the Llama. Her sister, Keisha, 4, smiled and said she just liked most everything about it.
Mohawk-sporting Cecilio Nando said it was the free stuff he liked most; and his friends ---- Luis Tovar, Robin Lopez, Michael Becerra and Eddie DelaTorre ---- nodded in agreement, skateboards hanging at their sides.
Near the end of the parade, Aniole and Corral paused to catch their breath.
"It went well; everyone seemed to have a good time," Aniole said.
