As the sun begins to rise over the waters of Folsom Lake this Easter Sunday, many are expected to gather once again at Beals Point for a beloved and time-honored tradition—the 64th Annual Easter Sunrise Service hosted by the Williams family.
This cherished non-denominational gathering welcomes all who wish to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ in a serene and natural setting. As in years past, the celebration will feature live music, scripture readings, prayer, and communion—accompanied by the breathtaking backdrop of a spring sunrise over the lake.
Started more than six decades ago by Jim “Digger” Williams and his wife Sharon, the annual sunrise service has grown to become a cornerstone Easter tradition for both the Folsom and Granite Bay communities. What began in the early 1960s as a spontaneous act of faith by a family who found their favorite lakeside service no longer being held has since transformed into a multi-generational mission to share the hope and joy of Easter with the region.
“We went there that year not knowing that it wasn’t happening anymore; it was just dark and empty,” is the story that Sharon Williams loves to share with others. “So, we just stayed there, and we had our own service. We took our time and we celebrated in our own special way.”
From that quiet morning, the Williams family felt called to revive the lakeside Easter celebration—not just for themselves, but for the entire community. They’ve faithfully hosted the service every year since, with the exception of one year due to a severe storm and a pause during the pandemic in 2020, but that year the Williams family still had their own morning celebration.
Now into its seventh decade, the event remains a labor of love. Sharon continues to be part of it, while her children and grandchildren have taken up the mantle of planning and executing the service. Sharon’s grandson Anthony Williams and his wife, Gaw Vang Williams, now lead much of the effort—organizing the logistics, preparing the musical selections, and fostering the welcoming spirit the service is known for.
“We really appreciate everyone’s continued participation in this event through the years; it’s something we love to do and are very passionate about,” Anthony Williams said in last year’s interview. “This has always been a very special and safe place for people to come celebrate Easter, and we are so happy that we have been able to preserve that all these years.”
“I love being part of this family and this community,” added Gaw, who also serves as Folsom High School’s band director. “I feel so blessed that grandma has let us take the lead in planning the music for the event and continuing it. It takes some work, but it’s very different from what I do every day in my job. It’s so great to be a part of it.”
The event begins this Sunday, April 20 at 6 a.m., and attendees are encouraged to arrive early to allow time to park, find a seat, and settle in before the sun begins to rise. The program will include a music prelude, several hymns, scripture readings by members of the Williams family, and an Easter message delivered by Dr. Cordero Soto, a respected educator and faith leader who relocated to Sacramento in 2023. Originally from Puerto Rico, Dr. Soto now serves as an adjunct professor at Jessup University and is known for blending academic and spiritual mentorship.
Sharon Williams previously told Folsom Times as they planned the 63rd event that some people have told her this service is the only one they attend each year. She sees that as a beautiful thing—a unique and welcoming way for people to celebrate Easter outdoors, surrounded by nature and community.
Parking is $12, charged by California State Parks at the Beals Point entrance. Those attending should dress warmly and bring lawn chairs or blankets. The service takes place outdoors, rain or shine.
The Beals Point Recreation Area is located at 7806 Auburn Folsom Road and is accessible by vehicle or by trails for those in the Granite Bay area. For more information about this year’s event, visit the official Facebook event page: 64th Annual Beals Point Easter Sunrise Service. To view the full program, visit the Online Program.
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