Category Archives: Local Events

A woman taking advantage of Sacramento Volunteer opportunities

Sacramento Volunteer Opportunities

Thanksgiving is More Than a Meal!

Thanksgiving is the perfect time to come together as a family, share gratitude, and give back to those who need it most. Here’s how you can make this Thanksgiving truly with these Sacramento volunteer opportunities:

Sacramento Volunteer Opportunities to Share the Spirit of the Season

  1. Fight Hunger
    Join forces with the Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services to distribute food to families in need. This is a great opportunity for groups and individuals alike to lend a hand and ensure no one in our community goes hungry.
  2. Care for Seniors
    Meals on Wheels is a wonderful program that not only provides hot meals to seniors but also builds meaningful connections. A simple meal delivery can bring immense joy to an older adult in our community.
  3. Help Animals Find Homes
    The County Animal Shelter needs your support to ensure every furry friend gets the care they deserve. From fundraising to event planning, there are many ways to make a difference for animals this holiday season.

Family Gratitude Ideas to Keep the Good Vibes Going

In addition to volunteering, Thanksgiving is a great time to reflect on what you’re grateful for. Here are some simple and fun ideas to try with your family:

  • Give Thanks at the Table: Before digging in, go around the table and let everyone share what they’re most grateful for. You’ll love hearing the heartfelt (and sometimes hilarious) answers from the little ones!
  • Play the Gratitude Game: Use a colored candy game board to create prompts about thankfulness. Guests can pick a candy and answer the question linked to its color. It’s a sweet way to connect and laugh together.
  • Create a Tree of Thanks: During crafting time, turn shared moments of gratitude into a family tradition. Add “leaves of thanks” to your tree each year and watch it grow as a reminder of what truly matters.

The Thanksgiving Takeaway

This Thanksgiving, blend meaningful giving with joyful family traditions. The Sacramento area offers so many ways to connect, give back, and make the holiday unforgettable. After all, the best memories are made when we share kindness and gratitude.

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A photo of Lake Folsom with the blog title overlay

Folsom Summer Events: Don’t Miss Out!

Folsom Summer Events

In additional to the lake, trails, shopping and great parks, Folsom offers a variety of activities this summer, with events that cater to diverse interests and celebrate cultural heritage. Here are two notable events you won’t want to miss:

Juneteenth Festival

  • Location: Black Miners Bar, Park Rd., Folsom, CA 95630
  • Date & Time: June 22, 2024, from 10:00 AM PDT to 8:00 PM PDT
  • Description:
  • The Juneteenth Festival celebrates African American freedom and the triumph of the human spirit over oppression. It’s a day to reflect on past trials, celebrate progress, and renew commitment to a just society.
  • Festivities include:
    • BMB Concert featuring Grammy Award-Winning R&B Group, Club Nouveau
    • Kid’s Zone
    • Petting Zoo
Kids enjoying a petting zoo
  • Shopping
    • Mouthwatering Cuisine
    • Dancing
    • Horseback Riding
    • And much more!

Learn more about this event here.

Twilight Concert Series

  • Location: Historic Folsom Amphitheater, 200 Wool St, Folsom, CA 95630
  • Date & Time: June 27, 2024, from 7:30 PM PDT to 9:30 PM PDT
  • Description:
  • Enjoy an evening of music under the stars at the Zittel Family Amphitheater. Bring low-backed chairs or picnic blankets and a light jacket for after dark.
A band playing in the park

2024 Concert Lineup:

  • June 6: Adam Aldama & The Aces
  • June 13: Cynthia Renee Band
  • June 20: Tom Rigney and Flambeau
  • June 27: Sugar High
  • July 4: No Concert
  • July 11: Ariel Jean Band
  • July 18: AKA Band
  • July 25: The Aaron Gayden Band
  • Aug 1: Dunsbar Road
  • Aug 8: Hipper Than Hip
  • Aug 15: Lando Collective
  • Aug 22: Death & Taxes Swing Band
  • Aug 29: Plaid City
  • Sep 5: Island of Black & White

For more details, click here.

Join the Fun!

Whether you’re interested in celebrating cultural heritage or enjoying live music, Folsom has something for everyone this summer. Don’t miss out on these fantastic Folsom summer events!

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Apple Hill: Exploring the Magic

We live in such a beautiful part of the world! Leaves are crunching beneath our feet and it’s a clear sign that fall has arrived. If you are looking for a great place to embrace this “autumnal spirit,” it’s time to check out Apple Hill, near Placerville. It’s a charming destination that encourages visitors to partake in many delightful fall activities.

Nestled in the Sierra Nevada foothills, Apple Hill is comprised of over 50 local, family farms dedicated to supporting agriculture in the community. Since its founding in 1964 with just 16 apple ranches, it has now expanded to include a wide array of unique fruit and vegetable farms, bakeshops, wineries, a cozy Bed & Breakfast Inn, enchanting flower gardens, and Christmas tree farms. It’s a real treat!

The Best of Apple Hill in Fall

You’re in for a treat! Apple Hill in the fall offers a bounty of experiences for all ages. You can pick your own apples and enjoy the aroma of freshly baked apple pies and cider. Don’t forget to savor a cup of hot apple cider.

Exploring the charming farm stands, you’ll find an array of unique, handcrafted goods, from artisanal cheeses to homemade jams and jellies. It’s the perfect place to start your holiday shopping or find a one-of-a-kind gift for someone special.

And there are pumpkins galore! Many farms offer hayrides, pumpkin patches, and even mazes that will delight the whole family. You’ll even find glass-blown pumpkins and other autumn décor.

Embrace the Fall Magic

Visiting Apple Hill in the fall is like stepping into a magical California storybook. Apple Hill is located near the Sierra foothill town of Placerville between Sacramento and Lake Tahoe. Visit applehill.com for more details.

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Gold Country Road Trip

Yearning for a Gold Country road trip? If you’re in the mood for a scenic adventure and a journey back in time, look no further than Highway 50 to Placerville, where history and gold mining tales come alive.

Let’s Get Started

A highlight of this picturesque loop is the renowned Gold Bug Mine in Placerville, where you can experience an authentic gold mine tour. Take a mesmerizing journey underground and learn how the miners worked to extract precious gold.

Continuing on Highway 49, the Gold Country adventure leads you to the charming town of Coloma, a pivotal location in California’s history. Here, at the Marshall Gold Discovery State Park with a replica of Sutter’s mill, you can step into the very spot where history changed forever. It was here that James W. Marshall discovered gold in the American River in 1848, setting off the legendary California Gold Rush. Can you imagine the thrill Marshall must have felt when he first spotted that glimmering gold amidst the pebbles? Although much of the gold has been unearthed, it’s said that more than half of it still lies hidden, waiting to be discovered.

Sutter's Mill

For those seeking more adventure on the vibrant American River, consider a thrilling whitewater rafting expedition! In the summer months, the North, Middle, and South Forks of the river offer different levels of rapids suitable for families, adventurous souls, and seasoned experts alike.

Next Stop: Auburn

As your Gold Country road trip continues, follow Highway 49 to the historic town of Auburn. This Gold Rush gem has transformed into the charming seat of Placer County. Nature enthusiasts will find delight in the nearby trails that meander through the breathtaking landscape, offering opportunities for hiking and exploration. After your adventures, treat yourself to a well-deserved meal in the historic downtown area, where charming eateries and cafes await to cater to your palate.

Your Gold Country road trip is brimming with history, adventure, and picturesque landscapes. Embrace the spirit of the past and relish in the charm of historic towns.

Looking for more ideas? Check out more great Gold Country adventures here.

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Enjoy a Little Folsom Egg Hunt Easter Fun!

The Easter Bunny is a cherished tradition of spring. Who doesn’t love an easter basket brimming with colorful eggs and treats?

Have you ever wondered how the Easter Bunny became part of the celebration? The true origins of the Easter bunny are not clear, but the prolific creature is a symbol of spring renewal and new life. Easter egg hunts “hosted” by the Easter Bunny were brought to America by German immigrants in the 1700s. The Bunny and the eggs are now a special part of the celebration.

Festival of Eggs: Hop on over to Folsom’s Lembi Park, 1302 Riley Street, Folsom, April 8

The Folsom Egg Hunt event, formerly known as the Spring Eggstravaganza, has everything a crowd loves: a pancake breakfast (purchase onsite), free kiddie carnival games hosted by the Folsom Teen Council, entertainment, vendor displays, and lots of hands-on activities.

Kids ages 6 and under should arrive from 8 to 9:30 a.m., and ages 7 to 10 from 9:30 to 11 a.m.—remember to bring a basket with you. Pick up your Bunny Trail Map and begin your journey as you visit vendors along the trail to collect goodies and eggs. 

Join the bunny at the end of the trail for a special photo op for a souvenir of your day. Complete all of the stops listed on the map to receive a ticket for a special egg hunt and a chance to win a Golden Egg Prize.

Details here!

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Green Looks Good on You

In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, a limerick:

On St. Paddy’s Day the crowds roar, With marching parades and much more

The green is so bright, It’s such a grand sight,

To celebrate friends we adore!

It’s time for a little St. Patrick’s Day fun with family and friends! Check out these local ideas for celebrating the Irish and keep scrolling for a tasty GREEN smoothie that’s a perfect addition to your St. Paddy’s breakfast menu.

How About a Little Irish Music to Put Some Pep in Your Step?

This treat for the whole family features multi-instrumentalists from the Kerry Traditional Band led by the great Ryan McKasson on fiddle. Can you imagine the explosive sound of bodhran, fiddles, uilleann pipes, guitar, flutes and dancing feet roaring through the theatre? You will be transported to the Emerald Isle for an unforgettable Irish night. Be ready to leave the theatre with a jig in your step!

Click here for event details.

Leprechauns at the Old Sacramento Waterfront

The Luck of the Irish abounds at the Old Sacramento Waterfront in March!  A parade, live musical entertainment, outdoor beer gardens and a chance to find Leprechauns hiding throughout the charming historic district. Wear your jolly green apparel and prepare for fun.

All the Details.

Back to the Healthy Breakfast

I admit that a green smoothie isn’t very appetizing, but I guarantee that you’ll fall in love with this healthy, breakfast drink. It’s perfect with a scone or some Irish Soda Bread.

Yum! Check out the recipe filled with spinach, pineapple, citrus and more.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

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