Hurry up and wait! Great Folsom Snail Race coming to Folsom slowly but surely

If you don't have a need for speed and prefer slow and slimey, then the city of Folsom has a special event that's right in your wheelhouse. The Great Folsom Snail Race is returning after many years of laying dormant. The event was quite the crowd pleaser and cherished community event back in the 1980s and '90s, but like many things from that era, the race fell out of tradition. But now, just like polaroid cameras and platform shoes, what is old is cool again and The Great Folsom Snail Race is returning as part of the city's 80th birthday celebration. The big bash will be held Saturday, May 9, at Folsom City Lions Park. The event is geared for people of all ages and if watching snails glide along isn't exciting enough, there will also be a variety of special competitions and competitive divisions. Kara Lofthouse is a Folsom-Cordova Unified School District Board member but also on the snail race committee that has been excitedly planning the event. Lofthouse said she's thrilled to see the snail race return to the city, bringing with it a taste of nostalgia reminiscent of a time long ago, when Folsom was truly a small town. "Bringing the snail race back feels like bringing back a piece of Folsom's heart," said Lofthouse. "It's exciting to revive something that so many families remember fondly. It gives today's kids the chance to experience the same kind of lighthearted community event their parents may have enjoyed growing up." Spots for the race are filling up, but the city is still calling on people in the community to sign up soon if they want to take part in the action. Participants can bring their own snail competitor, but it must be healthy and able to move on its own. And since many of us don't normally keep snails as pets or training partners, the city will also have snails available on race day at check-in. We didn't have to look far to find one of those residents who actually does have a snail at home and is gearing up for the great race. Folsom Telegraph writer Jessica Porter's son Alex found a snail in November and the two have been "fast friends" since. Alex, an 11-year-old sixth-grader, named the snail Peter because "he looked like a Peter." Peter has also gotten in some "practice," so perhaps he may be a top glider. "(Alex) just practices Peter next to another snail and puts a leaf in front," quipped Jessica. While the snail race is all in fun, the city is strongly emphasizing "snail ethics," and in a link on the city webpage, explains snails are living animals who feel stimuli, need moisture and depend on their shells for protection. The city urges people to treat the snails with the same kindness we show pets. "No squeezing, prodding, poking, tapping, smashing, licking, hazing, blowing on or otherwise trying to make them go faster," said the city. "Gastropods are our gastro-pals." The sluggish action takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with preliminary heats, then quarterfinals and a final. Registration is $50 with proceeds supporting the Folsom Athletic Association's "Never in Our Town" Youth Assistance Program. All participants get a commemorative T-shirt. There will be business, open and youth divisions. Awards will be given to the best presentation, best named snail and best dressed snail handler. And the most sought-after award? Despite the obvious oxymoron, the "fastest snail" will win the most coveted prize of all: bragging rights. Could the champion be Peter? Or will another super slimer take the lead for the win? The stage is set for May 9. To register and be part of this event or find out more information, visit https://www.folsom.ca.us/residents/folsom-s-80th-birthday-celebration