Celebrating the past and future: Folsom's 80th birthday promises to be momentous

The rhythmic clip-clop of horses pulling wagons down Folsom streets is long gone, replaced by Teslas and e-bikes, but the essence of the area's history and small-town feel has lived on for decades. That history is about to be celebrated in grand fashion after months of planning. Folsom's 80th birthday community bash is happening Saturday, May 9, and residents of all ages are invited to celebrate and embrace the city's rich past and exciting future. The celebration will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at City Lions Park at 403 Stafford Street. As Folsom city leaders navigate through a period of dramatic growth, change and financial hardships, they are quite aware that holding onto the history of the city when it was truly a small town is vital and extremely important to longtime residents. Celebrating that history is why city officials are so strongly promoting this community birthday event, hoping many residents show up to take part, learn more about the city's heritage and just have fun. Many residents are fully aware of Folsom's early days, yet many others are newcomers. Mayor Justin Raithel told The Folsom Telegraph the 80th birthday celebration is a perfect way to embrace the region's rich past while moving into the future. "Folsom has grown and thrived over 80 years of cityhood, holding onto the small-town spirit that makes it special," said Raithel. "As we celebrate where we've been and look ahead to what's next, we remain committed to preserving our history and staying distinctive by nature." Many lifetimes ago, the Folsom region was once mainly inhabited by the Southern Maidu and Nisenan indigenous people who thrived in its environment, abundant with bodies of water for fish to catch, wildlife and more. A dramatic change to the region's population occurred in the 1800s, when gold was discovered near the American River, helping to spark the California Gold Rush. People from around the world migrated to the area, chasing dreams of potential wealth and a better life. The city continued to grow, experience development and attract a wide range of people, and then in 1946, a move was made to officially incorporate Folsom; the rest, as they say, is history. "The local Chamber of Commerce launched a campaign to incorporate Folsom as a city in 1946. The final vote was 285 in favor of incorporation and 168 opposed. Members of the first City Council were Leland Miller, Harry Patton, Eugene Kerr, Wendell Van Winkle, and Norbert Relvas. Hazel McFarland was elected city clerk and Wilma Hoxie served as the first treasurer. Council members elected Eugene Kerr as the city's first mayor," said Folsom city officials. Another pivotal moment in Folsom history came in the 1950s with the building of the Folsom Dam, which provided flood protection and created Folsom Lake, expanding the identity of the region by also establishing it as a prime lake town full of recreational opportunities and a great place to live. Over the decades, the city has become a sprawling destination spot for families wanting to put down roots and in fact, a new report from the California Department of Finance lists Folsom as the ninth-fastest growing city in the state (for cities with populations larger than 30,000). Yet along the way, the priority of city leaders has always been to hold onto that small-town vibe that distinguishes it from other cities in the region and always embrace its unique history. The upcoming community celebration is a nod to the past and the many stories that can be told of where Folsom used to be and where it hopes to go. The event is even featuring a cherished tradition from the past: The Great Folsom Snail Race! The races were once a huge crowd pleaser in Folsom between the 1980s and '90s, and on May 9, they will make a grand comeback. There will be different snail race divisions from open to youth and business races. Proceeds from that event will support the Folsom Athletic Association "Never in Our Town" Youth Assistance Program. All pre-registered participants will receive a commemorative T-shirt. There is a long list of other entertainment scheduled for the event, from train rides, carnival games, food trucks, tug-of-war competitions and much more. City officials say from long-term traditions to new experiences, the birthday celebration hopes to bring residents together to celebrate what makes Folsom special. For a schedule of activities and other event details, visit www.folsom.ca.us/80.