FOLSOM VETERANS DAY PARADE

Folsom residents will gather to honor the nation’s veterans at the 26th annual Wayne Spence Folsom Veterans Day Parade starting at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, November 11. More than 2,000 participants will take part in this year’s parade, including floats, classic cars, horseback riders, color guards, and a variety of community groups.

The parade stages in the Target/Home Goods parking lot and begins on East Bidwell Street near Montrose Drive. The route travels westbound on E. Bidwell Street, northbound on Coloma Street, and will proceed to Natoma Street. The event wraps up with a brief ceremony to honor local veterans at the Veterans Memorial in City Lions Park.

The Folsom Police Department will coordinate a temporary closure of all lanes of traffic on East Bidwell Street from approximately 8 to 11 a.m. Natoma Street from Coloma Street to Wales Drive will close from approximately 9:15 to 11:15 a.m. Closures will be lifted immediately after the parade ends. Detours around the parade will be marked. Motorists are encouraged to take Riley and School streets as alternate routes.

The parade is held rain or shine. For more information, call 916-461-6615 or email tocampo@folsom.ca.us.

CELEBRATE A BRIGHT AND JOYFUL DIWALI SAFELY

As families prepare to celebrate Diwali, also known as Deepavali or the Festival of Lights, the Folsom Fire Department reminds residents to make safety part of the celebration. Approved fireworks may be used in the City of Folsom from Friday, November 6 through Sunday, November 8.

If fireworks are part of your celebration, take these precautions:

• Make sure the fireworks have the State Fire Marshal’s “Safe and Sane” seal.
• Ensure fireworks use is always conducted under adult supervision.
• Have a bucket of water, sand, or a garden hose nearby.
• Read all instructions before use.
• Never alter, modify, or enhance fireworks—use only as intended.
• Ensure fireworks have proper clearance from flammable materials, including dry grass and brush.
• Keep your pets safe by keeping them indoors and providing a quiet, secure place during fireworks displays.

For more information, visit www.folsom.ca.us/fire or contact the Folsom Fire Department at 916-461-6300 or FolsomFire@folsom.ca.us.

ENTER THE FOLSOM HOLIDAY LIGHTS CONTEST

Help make Folsom shine this holiday season! Enter your home, neighborhood, or business in the annual Folsom Holiday Lights Contest and share the joy of the season with neighbors and visitors. Folsom Times will provide prizes for the winners.

CATEGORIES INCLUDE:

• Holly Jolly Residence – Best overall residence.
• Clark Griswold – Best use of holiday lights (residential).
• Hollywood Christmas – Best use of theme and/or fictional characters (residential).
• Merry and Bright Business – Festive commercial business display.
• Illuminate the Block – Best multi-house display
• Small Lot Category – Big holiday spirit in small spaces!

Register by December 11 at www.folsom.ca.us/HolidayLightsContest.

GET TICKETS NOW FOR WILD NIGHTS!

This annual family event returns for its 16th year, featuring thousands of bright lights, sparkling ornaments and trees, lighted animal figures, and displays that transform the zoo sanctuary with holiday spirit. Local caroling groups and musicians provide the merry sounds of the season, and the Folsom Valley Railway miniature train offers special nighttime rides.

Food trucks coordinated by Food in the Hood 916 will also be on-site each night, serving up a variety of delicious options. Visit the EventHub ticketing page to see the food truck lineup for each evening.

Wild Nights and Holiday Lights is open from 5 to 8:30 p.m. December 4-6, 10-13, and 18-22 (weather permitting; heavy rains will cancel). All proceeds from the event benefit the zoo sanctuary animals.

Event admission is $12.99 per person for the first hour and $11.99 per person for the last two hours. Train tickets are $7 per person. Children under the age of 2 are free.

Tickets are limited and must be purchased in advance through EventHub.

SHARE YOUR INPUT ON SACRAMENTO COUNTY'S HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN

Sacramento County is updating its Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, and residents are invited to provide feedback by November 20.

The plan outlines strategies to reduce risks and impacts from natural disasters, including floods, droughts, wildfires, and severe weather. Developed in partnership with regional cities and special districts, the plan helps communities prepare for emergencies, protect property, and strengthen long-term resilience.

The draft plan is now available for public review. Residents are encouraged to review the plan, complete a survey, and share their thoughts on natural hazards and preparedness priorities.

Review the draft plan, take the survey, and submit comments by November 20 at stormready.org.

SKATE INTO THE SEASON

Experience the magic of the season as the Historic Folsom Ice Rink returns, bringing holiday lights and outdoor skating to the Historic Folsom Plaza. The ice rink opens on November 7 and runs through January 18. Plan an outing with family or friends and enjoy skating, festive lights, and reserved fireside seating. Skating lessons and themed events offer more ways to join the seasonal fun.

Learn more at folsomicerink.com.

CLEAR LEAVES NOW TO KEEP RAINWATER FLOWING

A little fall cleanup can help prevent flooded streets when rain arrives. The City of Folsom Public Works Department encourages residents to keep fallen leaves out of streets, gutters, and storm drain inlets. Leaf piles can be difficult for street sweepers to collect and can block storm drains, causing localized flooding.

Here’s how you can help:

• Avoid sweeping or blowing leaves into ditches or streets.
• Clear leaves from gutters and storm drains, and place them in your green waste container, if possible.
• Keep sidewalks clear of leaves and other debris.

If there is a storm drain inlet that is difficult to clear, or you would like to report a storm drain issue, call the Public Works Street Department at 916-461-6722.

SERVE YOUR COMMUNITY ON A COMMITTEE OR COMMISSION

Are you passionate about making a difference in your community? The City of Folsom invites you to take an active role in shaping the future of the city by serving on a local commission or committee.

These volunteer positions provide a unique opportunity to contribute to the decision-making process and have a direct impact on the issues that matter most to you and your neighbors. Folsom’s committees and commissions include:

• Arts and Culture Commission
• Historic District Commission
• Landscaping and Lighting District Advisory Committee
• Library Commission
• Parks and Recreation Commission
• Planning Commission
• Traffic Safety Committee
• Utility Commission

The application process is straightforward. Applications are due by Monday, December 7. To learn more and apply, visit www.folsom.ca.us/CommissionsandCommittees.

KEEP KIDS ACTIVE WITH THANKSGIVING BREAK CAMPS

School may be out for Thanksgiving break, but the fun doesn't have to stop! Folsom Parks & Recreation is offering a variety of camps from Monday, November 23, through Wednesday, November 25, with half-day and full-day options to keep kids active, engaged, and entertained before the holiday festivities begin.

From sports and technology to animals, there's something for every interest.

• Basketball Camp (Ages 3-13): Build basketball skills, practice teamwork, and enjoy fun drills, games, and competitions with the National Academy of Athletics.
• Junior Tennis Camp (Ages 5-16): Hit the courts for three days of tennis instruction, skill-building games, and a mini tournament with tennis pro Bryan Solem.
• Video Game Development Camp (Ages 6-14): Turn a love of gaming into creativity and coding! Campers will design and build their own video games while learning essential programming concepts.
• Junior Zookeeper Camp (Ages 8-11): Go behind the scenes at the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary for hands-on animal care experiences, animal ambassador encounters, and wildlife adventures.

Space is limited, so register today!

VETERANS DAY SCHEDULE

City administrative offices will be closed Wednesday, November 11 in observance of Veterans Day.

For urgent city issues, call 916-461-6400. Call 9-1-1 for life-threatening emergencies.

• Garbage service will be provided as usual Wednesday; please place your cans curbside by 6 a.m. on your regular day of service.
• Transit services will be available via SacRT's Folsom bus route 20.
• The Folsom Public Library is closed.
• The Folsom Fire Department administrative services located at 535 Glenn Drive, will be closed Wednesday.
• The Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary is closed.
• The Andy Morin Sports Complex is open regular hours, from noon to 10 p.m.
• The Steve Miklos Aquatic Center is open for lap swim from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
• The FIDO Field and Pawspector dog parks will be open from 7 a.m. to one hour after sunset.
• The Folsom Skate and Bike Parks are open from 8 a.m. until 9 p.m.
• The Folsom Senior Center, Folsom Art Center, and Gallery at 48 Natoma are closed.

City of Folsom Communications Director

Christine Brainerd | cbrainerd@folsom.ca.us | 916-461-6013 (office)

Get connected. Stay informed.

City of Folsom | 50 Natoma Street | www.folsom.ca.us