The 'Gem of the Valley' Turns 21

Fireworks, funnel cake and a fireman's hosedown made the city of Murrieta's 21st Birthday Bash an occasion residents will not soon forget.

Thousands of Murrieta residents turned out to celebrate Saturday at .

“An event like this is what makes a big city (like Murrieta) feel like a small town,” Mayor Doug McAllister told the crowd.

Many of those in attendance felt the same way.

"Even though it seems to get bigger and bigger every year, we are always running into people we know," said Murrieta resident Wendy Sargis, 44. She, along with her two friends and their families have attended the annual event for several years.

Friend Lillian Murphy agreed.

"I have lived here since 1988; I have been here since before it was a city!"

While no longer a small town, it seemed like the birthday bash was the "it" place to be; kids off all ages participated in the traditional hosedown while parents saved coveted spots and took in the sounds of The Brewer Boys and "Elton: The Early Years," an Elton John tribute band.

McAllister was also on hand to announce the winner of this year's city song contest. City council members present at the event selected Eileen Lloyd and Jason Brawner, who sang their country song "Gem of the Valley," as the first place winners of a new iPad. Joanna Pearl, who sang "A Brand New Day," took second place and a Kindle Fire.

“I tried to incorporate everything I love about Murrieta into one song,” Lloyd said. “There is so much to do and so much that makes Murrieta the great place it is, it was hard to do!”

Sincerity, appreciation and love for Murrieta was apparent throughtout the event. Vendors, law enforcement, patrons and city officials alike celebrated not just a fun event, but also recognized the attributes the city has to offer.

“I still consider Murrieta my home,” said attendee Dwayne Robinson. He and his family recently moved to the Menifee area but commute to Murrieta daily.

“It is so family-oriented; a safe place to raise our children.”

The fireworks were a grand finale to the day-long event, which drew thousands from around the valley to the "Gem of the Valley."

“It’s really one of the greatest events in Murrieta,” Sargis said.