YEE-HA! LAKESIDE COMMUNITY EXPO AT RODEO GROUNDS PROVES CROWD-PLEASER FOR YOUNG AND OLD

February 3, 2010 (Lakeside) – Gunshots rang out on Saturday at the Lakeside Rodeo Grounds, where historical re-enactors from the Hole in the Wall Gang staged a mock Western-style shootout.  Members of the Victorian Roses Ladies Riding Society looked on, clad in elegant period attire.

It was all part of the Lakeside Community Expo sponsored by the Lakeside Chamber of Commerce.

Kids enjoyed activities including hand-painting and jumping in a giant inflatable –yes, actually bouncing off the walls. Magic Horse, an organization offering riding therapy for disabled children, offered pin-the-tail on a wooden horse—much to the delight of youngsters.

El Capitan High School's jazz band also entertained the crowd.  (View a video).

Vendor booths filled the rodeo arena, as well as an indoor area. Area residents learned about community groups and shopped for products and services ranging from jewelry to home improvements.

East County Magazine was on hand, signing up residents for the Viejas Wildfire & Emergency Alerts as well as free subscriptions to our weekly e-newsletter.

Nearby, the East County Community Action Coalition signed up Lakesiders to join the fight to keep Sunrise Powerlink out of their community.

“We’re getting a lot of interest,” ECCAC co-founder Laura Cyphert said.

One ex-military man started at the sound of gunfire as cowboys and villains staged another gunfight in the center of the arena. “Glad I don’t have PTSD anymore,” he said, then flashed a grin as the “dead” cowboy stood up to take a bow.