Families Flock to Memorial Park for Day of the Child Chula Vista Event
This past Saturday, April 19th, Downtown Chula Vista came alive with the energy and joy of families celebrating the annual Day of the Child Chula Vista event at Memorial Park. Hosted by the Chula Vista Community Collaborative, this free, family-friendly event continues to grow in size and impact each year, becoming a cornerstone celebration in the heart of the community.
Celebrating Children and Community
Inspired by the Mexican holiday Día Mundial del Niño, the Day of the Child event focuses on celebrating and honoring children, particularly within Hispanic and Latin families. Memorial Park was packed with activity as local families explored booths dedicated to children’s health, safety, creativity, and community services. From health screenings and informational handouts to interactive games and crafts, there was something for everyone to enjoy.
Adding to the festive atmosphere was a lineup of live entertainment that celebrated the richness of Mexican culture. Montgomery Middle School’s Mariachi group wowed the crowd with traditional music, while La Fiesta Danzantes de San Diego performed beautiful Folclórico dances that highlighted the vibrant traditions of various regions of Mexico. These performances added color, rhythm, and cultural pride to an already unforgettable day.
One of the most popular features was the incredible display of classic cars and lowriders that lined Third Avenue from G Street all the way to F Street. Car clubs from all over came out to showcase their vehicles, drawing crowds who eagerly snapped photos and chatted with the proud owners.
Adding to the excitement, Assemblymember David Alvarez and Chula Vista Mayor John McCann took part in the festivities by selecting their pick for the best car of the event. Mayor McCann shared that choosing just one was a difficult task, saying, “It was a hard decision because all of the cars were beautiful.” Their involvement added a special touch to an already unforgettable showcase of community pride and automotive artistry.
Day of the Child Chula Vista has come a long way
Having attended since the early days when the event featured only a handful of booths, it was amazing to witness how much the Day of the Child Chula Vista has grown. As a mother of two, this event provided a valuable opportunity to connect with health programs, ask questions, and learn more about the services available in our own backyard. Events like this are more than just fun—they are essential in helping families discover resources they may not even know exist.
The presence of the lowrider community added even more vibrancy and pride to the day. Speaking with Jovita Arellano, CVCC Coordinator, it was clear how much heart went into making this year’s event a success. “Families need events like this that give them the chance to learn about what is available for them and what help they can get,” she shared. She also thanked the lowrider community, saying, “To see them out here to help support this event is amazing and I thank them.”
What’s Coming Up This Summer
If you missed this weekend’s event, don’t worry—there’s a lot more coming your way this summer in Chula Vista. Be on the lookout for CVArtFest in June, one of the city’s most creative festivals. And, of course, mark your calendar for the Chula Vista Lemon Festival in August, a beloved event for locals. Plus, summer movie nights hosted by the city are always a hit with families.
To stay in the loop about all the fun events happening around town, be sure to visit our website event calendar here and follow us on social media. We’re here to help you make the most of everything Chula Vista has to offer!
Stay Connected with Chula Vista Living
At Chula Vista Living, we believe our community deserves more of the spotlight. That’s why we’re here—to keep you informed, inspired, and connected. Be sure to follow us for updates on local events, family resources, and all the good things happening right here in our city.
To learn more about the Chula Vista Community Collaborative and the work they do, visit their website or follow them on social media.
About the Chula Vista Community Collaborative
The Chula Vista Community Collaborative (CVCC) began in 1993 as a partnership between the South Bay Human Services Council and Vista Square Elementary to address growing community needs that extended beyond the classroom. With support from a Healthy Start Planning Grant, the City of Chula Vista, local nonprofits, and service agencies, the Collaborative evolved into a key connector for family services in the region. Now part of the Chula Vista Elementary School District, CVCC has spent over 30 years helping families access vital resources including health care, food assistance, parenting programs, advocacy, and more. Their mission is rooted in the belief that strong families build strong communities, and every child deserves the opportunity to thrive. Be sure to follow them on social media here.
