Snail races, tug of war, dunk tanks, food trucks - Folsom's 80th birthday celebration will have it all

The City of Folsom's big day is right around the corner - Folsom's 80th birthday celebration is scheduled for Saturday, May 9, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and the community is invited to take part in all the festivities. The event will be held at Folsom City Lions Park, at 403 Stafford Street. The celebration promises a full day of activities for all ages including: * Live entertainment and community performances. * Train rides and carnival games. * Food trucks and interactive booths. * The Great Folsom Snail Race. * Tug-of-war competitions benefiting Folsom youth sports programs. * Dessert Walk with prizes throughout the day. * Birthday-themed activities at the Folsom Public Library, including storytime, crafts, a movie screening and drop-in LEGO play. * Free admission to the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary for children 12 and under with accompanying adult; wristbands are available at city-sponsored booths for the first 500 youth guests and include complimentary entry. * Docent-led experiences at the zoo, including educational biofact tables and animal information stations. "Folsom's 80th birthday is about celebrating the traditions that bring us together and the community we're proud to call home," said Mayor Justin Raithel. "We're excited to bring residents, families and community partners together for a fun and memorable day." A highlight of the celebration is the return of the Great Folsom Snail Race, a longtime community tradition first launched in 1981. The race features youth, business and open divisions with proceeds supporting the Folsom Athletic Association "Never in Our Town" Youth Assistance Program. All pre-registered participants will receive a commemorative T-shirt. Several community leaders will take part in the Leadership Folsom Dunk Tank in support of the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary. Participants include Folsom Police Lt. Lou Wright, Folsom Fire Assistant Chief Brian Beck, Folsom Mayor Justin Raithel, Folsom High School Principal Howard Cadenhead, Folsom Public Library Director Tom Gruneisen, Jim Snook of Snook's Candies & Chocolate Factory, Taryn Grows of Uncle Charlie's Firehouse & Brew and Reese Punter, Choose Folsom ambassador chair. Proceeds will support improvements to the Zoo Sanctuary's entrance. From long-term traditions to new experiences, the event brings together residents, local organizations and community partners to celebrate what makes Folsom special. For a full schedule of activities and event details, visit www.folsom.ca.us/80.