When I first entered the world of journalism, I was a young, eager photojournalist just finishing my final time at college. My first internship that later became a paid job was with my hometown newspaper in El Dorado County, where I had the privilege of capturing the stories of our community through the lens of my camera. One of my earliest assignments was covering a sunrise service on Easter morning. I was 21 or 22 at the time and had no idea what a sunrise service even was.
I still remember asking my chief photographer why it was called a “sunrise service.” He chuckled and said, “Because it takes place at sunrise.” I quickly realized that meant waking up far earlier than I was used to. Back then, I was still clinging to the habits of a teenager—staying up late and sleeping in until my dad would barge into my room, demanding I get out of bed.
But I didn’t refuse the assignment. That wasn’t something you did in those days. When you were given a job, you did it with pride. So I went to bed early, woke up before dawn, and headed out to cover the service near Apple Hill. It was challenging, especially in the days of film photography, but it was also transformative.
From that moment on, I was hooked. I attended sunrise services every year, whether I was covering them for work or simply experiencing them as a community member. There’s something magical about standing in the early morning light, surrounded by others, celebrating Easter as the sun rises.
Years later, when I began working in Folsom, I learned about a very special sunrise service held on the shores of Folsom Lake. It was Sharon Williams who first told me about it. Sharon was someone I met while covering my first Folsom Pro Rodeo. At the time, she worked for the Chamber of Commerce and played a big role in many community events. Anyone who has been around Folsom for any amount of time knows this very special lady and likely knows the man I am about to mention next.
Sharon and her late husband, Jim “Digger” Williams, were deeply rooted in Folsom’s traditions. Decades ago, when the original organizer of the Folsom Lake sunrise service stepped away, the Williams family stepped in. They’ve been hosting it ever since, turning it into a cherished tradition that has spanned generations.
This year marked the 64th anniversary of the Folsom Lake sunrise service. Over the decades, it has only been canceled twice—once due to severe weather and again in 2020 during the pandemic. That kind of consistency speaks volumes about the dedication of the Williams family and the importance of this event to our community.
Standing on the shores of Folsom Lake on Easter morning, watching the first rays of sunlight break over the water, is an experience that’s hard to put into words. It’s a moment of connection—not just with the divine, but with the people around you. Some are familiar faces; others are strangers. Yet, in that moment, we’re all part of something bigger.
Unfortunately, I became part of the Folsom community just after Digger’s passing, so I never had the chance to meet him in person. I truly wish I had gotten that opportunity. The local traditions he helped build and his widespread respect across the community illustrate the incredible person he was. His legacy is evident not only in the events he championed but also in the way his family continues to honor his commitment to community and connection.
The Williams family doesn’t do this for recognition or financial gain. They do it out of love—for their faith, for their community, and for the legacy they’ve built together. Today, Sharon’s children and grandchildren have taken on much of the responsibility, ensuring this tradition continues for years to come.
I’ve been fortunate to witness this tradition year after year. And every Easter, I look forward to seeing Sharon Williams, who always greets me with a warm hug. It’s become a personal tradition for me, one that reminds me of the power of community and the importance of preserving the things that bring us together.
As Folsom continues to grow and change, I hope more people discover this beautiful event. It’s a reminder of the values that make our community special—faith, family, and a willingness to give back.
To the Williams family, thank you for your dedication and generosity. You’ve created something truly extraordinary, and our community is better because of it. To everyone who attends or supports this event, thank you for keeping this tradition alive.
And to those who have never experienced an Easter sunrise service, I encourage you to consider it. There’s something profoundly moving about watching the sun rise over Folsom Lake, surrounded by your neighbors, celebrating hope and renewal.
Happy Easter to all. May we continue to cherish the traditions that bring us together and honor the legacies of those who came before us.
Bill Sullivan is the co-founder and managing publisher of Folsom Times, a digital product of All Town Media LLC operated in Folsom, California.
Copyright © 2025, Folsom Times, a digital product of All Town Media LLC. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the publisher.
