As the sun was shining for one of the first weekends in several weeks, officials from the City of Folsom arrived Mangini Ranch Elementary School to set up for the first ever Landscape Fest not known what type of attendance the new event would draw.
By the time they opened their gates to the free event, they had their answer as hundreds turned out for the event.
“We were so happy to see so many Folsom community members attend the Landscape Fest to learn about the city’s many programs, service and rebates to help residents take care of their homes,” said Christine Brainerd, communications director for the City of Folsom, who was pleased with the turnout. “Whenever you do an event for the first time, you never know what to expect as far as attendance.”
Landscape Fest was a free family event designed for all ages with a number of different attractions. For adults, it helped educate them on the many ways to care for their landscaping and trees and reduce water use through a number of exhibits and demonstrations.
Not only were city officials on hand to engage with residents, nursery experts from local businesses, like Green Acres and the Sacramento Tree Foundation were also on hand and busy sharing tips and advice to all who were there to learn. From planting advice, to plant sales and information on irrigation practices, landscape design, water wise plants, efficient watering systems, rebates and more, there was plenty for guests to take in.
The City of Folsom Waste & Recycling team was on site Saturday, providing free kitchen pails for collecting food scraps to properly participate in the state’s organic recycling requirement.
They also educated visitors on the process and even had an interactive sorting activity to help residents learn how to properly sort their waste. For the little ones, the opportunity to climb into the seat of the department’s trucks was a popular activity throughout the day.
Just down the street, guests also had the opportunity to load up free compost that was piled up for the taking at the future site of Prospector Park. Residents brought their own shovels and bags and were busy taking advantage of the offering.
For the little ones, the opportunity to spin the wheel for prizes from the Folsom Police Department, meet members of the Folsom Fire Department and participate in interactive games, bounce houses and more were popular throughout the afternoon. The Folsom Public Library booth was another popular attraction with families as well as the variety of food trucks on hand.
Saturday’s event was the first of its type to be hosted by the city in the Folsom Ranch Community, often referred to as “south of 50.” City officials were pleased with the success of the first time event.
“It was great to welcome and connect with many new residents of Folsom Ranch,” said Brainerd.”
The next event similar to this will be May 17 when the City of Folsom hosts City Works Day and will be announcing all the information on that in the weeks to come.
