Photo Courtesy: Sarah Sanchez

By Sarah Sanchez

Diamond Bar – Local residents of all ages enjoyed a sunny day of food, games, rides, and fun at the 26^th Annual Diamond Bar Birthday Party last week. The birthday party is the City’s largest annual event that is held in partnership with community organizations, school districts, law enforcement agencies, local businesses, and non-profit service agencies.

The event took place on Sat., Apr. 11 at Pantera Park. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., cars were lined up around every street corner nearby. Local residents filled the park as they were dressed in red, white and blue attire to support the “Spirit of Diamond Bar.”

A Ferris wheel towered over the park next to whirling swings, a giant slide, a kid’s Merry-Go-Round, and a wide selection of other carnival rides that were run by local organizations. Nearby, a line of white tents showcased a variety of games that supported different non-profit service organizations. Some of the organizations included the Diamond Bar Breakfast Lions Club, the Diamond Bar Woman’s Club, Walnut Solar Car, and local Leo Clubs. Children of the community were able to play the games and claim their winnings at the Prize Booth.

Local musicians and groups performed on the main stage as birthday party entertainment. Around the stage were blue tents with local groups selling delicious food and snacks, including tacos, cotton candy, and kettle corn. Organizations running the food booths were Pop Warner, Boy Scout troops, Heart of Hope, and the local Rotary, just to name a few.

Photo Courtesy: Sarah Sanchez

Beautiful antique cars were also displayed on the park grass.  The Diamond Bar Car Show is an annual event, and volunteer judges examined the cars and picked their favorite as the winner. Residents were also in on the fun as they were allowed to vote for their favorite in the Car Show’s People’s Choice Awards. In addition to the antique cars, local law enforcement displayed their police vehicles nearby with the doors open, so residents could take a peek inside.

Photo Courtesy: Sarah Sanchez

Local law enforcement and the fire department were very supportive of the event.  Police Captain Jeff Scroggin was in attendance, along with a variety of other Police Deputies and Sheriff Volunteers. The Los Angeles County Fire Department also provided a Shakey Quakey Earthquake Preparedness Truck that moved to reenact an earthquake.

A Business Showcase was available for residents to enjoy, hosted by the San Gabriel Valley Chamber of Commerce.  Local businesses came together under one tent, advertising their wares to the community. Residents were able to go around to each booth, win prizes, sample treats, and collect information.  Smaller tents were lined up nearby to display a variety of informational booths and organizations, such as Walnut Valley Unified School District, Marine Corps, Walnut Valley Water District, and the City of Diamond Bar Environmental Services.

At around 3 p.m., the City Council and City staff gathered together to announce the Outstanding Volunteer Awards. The Diamond Bar Council honored adults and youth with this award for good deeds and community service. Residents throughout the City were previously given the opportunity to nominate who they felt deserved this award, and the winners were announced at the birthday party.

Mayor Steve Tye, on behalf of the Council, honored the following awardees: Alex Lee, Jeff Koontz, Sameer Sharmal, and Richard and Rosette Clippinger. Former Diamond Bar Mayor, Aileen Asari, also honored Rosette Clippinger with flowers for her work as the President of the Diamond Bar Woman’s Club. The last awardee was Lori Ingoglia, who was unable to attend the event.

After the awards, the newly announced 2015 Miss Diamond Bar and the Princess Court were called to the stage to help cut the birthday cake. City of Diamond Bar staff and the City Council surrounded the stage as Mayor Tye led the Happy Birthday song.  Streamers filled the air as everyone cheered for another year in a great city.

After the event, local high school student volunteers and City staff gathered together to help clean up the party that took months to plan.

The birthday party has been held annually at Pantera Park for 26 years. If you missed this year’s party, make sure you don’t miss out on the fun next April!