Folsom’s Josh Hoover, who represents California’s Assembly District 7, regularly honors a Small Business of the Month in the district. For November, The Boardwalk of Orangevale has received this recognition from the local asseblyman and his team.

“This iconic venue has been a cornerstone of the Sacramento music scene since 1987 and continues to thrive under the leadership of Derek Clark and Sara Green, who took over in 2022,” Hoover said. “Derek and Sara brought new life to The Boardwalk with a fresh look, state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems, and a heartfelt mission to give back to the community.”

Located near the Folsom city limits at 9426 Greenback Lane in Orangevale, The Boardwalk was established in 1987 by the late Mark Earl and has long been a historic force in the Sacramento music scene. However, the COVID-19 pandemic and Earl’s passing in November 2020 led to what many believed would be the venue’s permanent closure in January 2022.

Nine months later, Derek Clark and Sara Green, who were already the owners of Orangevale’s Palm Tree Brewing Company, purchased the property and intellectual rights to The Boardwalk. They spent months revamping the building and installing cutting-edge sound and lighting systems.

In addition to hosting both regional up-and-coming and national live music acts, the venue is dedicated to creating a welcoming environment for all visitors. The Hawaiian-inspired food and craft cocktail menus reflect Derek and Sara’s passion for offering a unique and memorable experience.

Derek and Sara, who met while volunteering at their local food bank, share a philosophy of giving back more than they take. They have personally donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to nonprofits, including the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Central Park Conservancy, Orangevale-Fair Oaks Food Bank, and Save the American River Association.

Their commitment to giving back is also reflected in their vision for The Boardwalk. All door profits from concerts are donated to local and regional nonprofits, focusing on families, veterans, and pets in need. This charitable effort has made The Boardwalk not only a premier music venue but also a beacon of community support. © Folsom Times, All Town Media LLC