Longtime Easter tradition set to return

After being forced to cancel in 2020 and taking place amidst restrictions last year, a decades-old Easter Sunday tradition will return to the shores of Folsom Lake near Granite Bay on Sunday in its original form. It's the Beals Point sunrise service and the family behind the event for more than 60 years is eager to welcome the community back. It was more than six decades and a year ago when local resident Sharon Williams and her family moved to the area and fell in love with a special celebration on Easter Sunday beneath the rising sun at Beals Point, which borders Folsom and Granite Bay just off Auburn-Folsom Road. Today, three generations of the Williams family not only continue to attend the event, they organize the intimate holiday service that draws returning and new attendees year after year from Granite Bay, Roseville, Folsom and beyond. After moving here from the Midwest in 1960, Williams and her husband, the late Jim "Digger" Williams, attended their first service at Beals Point and made it a family tradition. One year, that tradition came to an end when the original organizers stopped doing it. Sharon Williams recalls arriving at the lake that day to find no cross, no people and no celebration as they had enjoyed for several years. "We went there that year and didn't know it wasn't happening any more; it was just dark and empty." Williams said. "So we just stayed there and we had our own service. We took our time and we celebrated in our own special way." After the celebration that began somewhat awkwardly many years ago turned out to be very special for the Williams family, they decided to bring the service back to the community themselves. "That year, my daughter suggested we do it every year and we invite the community and do it in our own special way," Williams said. "Since then, we've been doing it every year since. We only missed one because the weather was too bad. Here we are 60 years later; what a blessing it has been to have such support from the community. The Beals Point service is anything but a silent one. The event offers a share of quiet time for prayer and worship, along with a spoken message and a beautiful view of the sunrise. Each year, the family witnesses so many people return and she sees a great deal of newcomers as well. "Some have told me it is the only service they attend all year. It is pretty awesome," Williams said. "I like the fact that people want to come because it is a great way of celebrating outside in the open. It's beautiful every year and this year should be just perfect." The Beals Point sunrise service always begins just before the sunrise over the lake, so plan your arrival while it's still dark on Easter morning this Sunday. According to Williams, the service will begin at 6:30 a.m. Sunday and she suggested arriving at the Beals Point parking area by 6 a.m. The Williams family will arrive by 5:30 a.m. so those who want to come early and set up their chairs or blankets on the lawn area are more than welcome. Parking is free for the event, thanks to the cooperation of State Parks. Attendees need to bring their own chairs to the event. "The park has been very accommodating through the years, allowing us to do this and offering free parking," said Williams. "We are so thankful for all the community support and look forward to seeing everyone this year and getting back to how it used to be." The entrance to Beals Point recreation sits at the border of Folsom and Granite Bay. It is accessible to vehicles at 7806 Auburn Folsom Road, Folsom. Those living in the southeast area of Granite Bay near the lake also have the ability to enjoy a morning walk or bike ride along the many trails that lead to the location. For more information, search "Beals Point Easter" on Facebook where the Williams family has an event page.