Attendees enjoy a swing ride during the Riverside County Carnival at the Outlets at Lake Elsinore. (Photos by Emily Baierl)
The Riverside County Carnival returned Friday, May 29, to the Outlets at Lake Elsinore for the start of its three day weekend run.
The opening night, held from 5 to 10 p.m., featured live music, food trucks, local vendors and carnival games. The event also offered a mix of attractions for all ages, including larger thrill rides, a designated kids’ ride area, a haunted house and a fun house.
A wrestling ring set up in the center of the carnival drew a steady crowd throughout the evening, with Valley Wrestling Connection providing live matches as part of the entertainment lineup.
The wrestling matches quickly became one of the biggest highlights of the night, with families gathering around the ring.
“I brought my kids for the rides, but they turned out to enjoy the wrestling,” said Tom Stoute, who attended the carnival with his family.
He said the variety of activities made it easy for everyone in his family to find something to enjoy.
“We’re all here having fun,” he said.
Menifee resident Laura Candelaria also attended with her children. Candelaria said her family came to the event after her children received tickets through their school, and that the carnival offered an affordable way to spend time together.
“It’s nice, it’s good for them,” Candelaria said. “Everything is reasonably priced and it’s a great time for the kids.”
Her children gravitated toward the rides.
“My favorite part is the crazy rides,” one of her children said.
Candelaria said events like the carnival give families a chance to connect and enjoy time outside.
“It brings the community together and it’s nice to experience different cultural foods and to just let the kids have fun and be able to run around,” she said.
Lake Elsinore resident Alisha La Grua attended to support her husband, who plays drums for the Lake Elsinore-based band Seamless. The band performed on the community stage during the carnival.
La Grua said she enjoyed seeing the event bring the community together.
“It’s nice to see everybody get out of their houses,” La Grua said. “You don’t get a whole lot of events in Lake Elsinore like this and it’s nice to have it.”
The Riverside County Carnival continues through Sunday at the Outlets at Lake Elsinore, featuring rides, vendors and live entertainment each night. For more information, visit the Riverside County Carnival website.
