MISSION VIEJO : Local Groups to Unite for City Festival

The city’s first Family Spring Festival and Bunny Days, which will debut Saturday at Oso Viejo Park, will unite the efforts of dozens of neighborhood groups.

Lack of community support was a major reason that city officials last month canceled the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade after 25 years. Now, they are determined to fill the void.

“I think this is going to be a real hometown event,” said Mayor Joseph D. Lowe. “This festival is a chance for us to bring the whole community together.”

From the Historical Committee to the Kiwanis, dozens of community groups will take advantage of the festival to let the public know they exist.

The day’s activities will be divided between outdoor Easter events and indoor entertainment in the Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center in the park. Most will take place from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Amateur thespians from local theater groups and storytellers will offer special productions for children. Performers from two Mission Viejo dance centers also will entertain.

The city Historical Heritage Committee will have an exhibit offering a glimpse into the Saddleback Valley’s past. Several local artists will have their work on display in the community center.

A carnival area with games and food booths will open at 11 a.m. Many local nonprofit groups will have displays offering services, such as fingerprint registration for children, and there will be a book sale benefit for the city library foundation.

“It’ll be a chance to see what the community has to offer its citizens all in one place,” Lowe said.

Easter activities will start at noon with an egg hunt, children’s cycle races and souvenir Easter bunny photos.

Fair-goers will also be informally polled during the day to see if they want to see the St. Patrick’s Day Parade return next year.