With just weeks to go, organizers continue to seek racers for May 9 event at Lions Park and Zoo Sanctuary
FOLSOM — With just a few weeks remaining until Folsom’s 80th birthday celebration, entries are still being sought for the return of the Great Folsom Snail Race, one of the city’s most unique and cherished traditions set to take center stage May 9.
Organizers say spots are filling quickly, but opportunities remain for families, kids, businesses and community members to take part in the lighthearted competition that blends fun, education and hometown pride in a way few events can.
The milestone celebration is set for Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Folsom City Lions Park and the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary, where the community is invited to take part in a free, family-friendly event honoring 80 years of Folsom’s growth and identity.
Organizers have planned a full slate of activities designed to engage all ages throughout the day. Guests can expect live entertainment, train rides, classic carnival-style games and interactive booths hosted by community partners, along with a dessert walk and a lineup of food trucks.
Adding to the appeal, the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary will offer free admission for children 12 and under, with complimentary entry available for the first 500 youth guests.
A milestone rooted in history
The 80th birthday celebration marks a significant moment in the city’s history. The City of Folsom was officially incorporated in 1946 following a 285-168 vote, driven by local business leaders seeking cityhood and greater local control. The city’s first leadership included Mayor Eugene Kerr alongside City Council members Leland Miller, Harry Patton, Wendell Van Winkle and Norbert Relvas, with Hazel McFarland serving as City Clerk and Wilma Hoxie as Treasurer.
Long before incorporation, Folsom’s origins date back to the 1850s, when it was known as Granite City and Negro Bar during the height of the California Gold Rush. Its growth accelerated with the arrival of the Sacramento Valley Railroad in 1856, transforming the area into a vital transportation hub named after Joseph Folsom. Over time, the community evolved from a mining and railroad town into a modern suburban city, later experiencing major expansion with the arrival of Intel in the early 1980s.
Today, Folsom is recognized as a thriving city known for its historic district, Folsom Lake and continued growth, making the 80th anniversary a celebration of both its past and present.
A tradition that continues to crawl forward
Originally launched in 1981—when Donkey Kong filled arcades and MTV had just begun broadcasting—the Great Folsom Snail Race quickly became a beloved tradition that brought together families, businesses and civic leaders for nearly two decades.
Now revived for the city’s 80th celebration, the race invites participants to enter their fastest—or slowest—snail for a chance to win prizes, earn bragging rights and take part in one of Folsom’s most memorable traditions.
Races will take place throughout the event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., beginning with preliminary heats and advancing through quarterfinal rounds and beyond.
The competition includes youth, business and open divisions, along with creative categories such as Best Presentation, Best Named and Best Dressed Snail Handler.
All participants will receive a commemorative Snail Race T-shirt, adding to the experience and providing a lasting keepsake.
Registration is $50, with proceeds supporting the Folsom Athletic Association’s “Never in Our Town” Youth Assistance Program, which helps ensure all youth have access to recreational sports opportunities.
Three ways to race: youth, general and business divisions
For those still looking to sign up, the event offers multiple ways to participate.
The youth division is open to students in grades K–8 and provides a fun, educational entry point for younger racers. It is often one of the most energetic parts of the day, as kids cheer on their snails while learning about patience, observation and animal care.
The general entry division is open to individuals, families and groups, creating a diverse field of racers and often producing some of the most entertaining and unpredictable races.
The business division brings an added level of community engagement, with local companies entering snails under their business name and rallying support from employees and customers. The division often becomes a spirited showcase of creativity and friendly rivalry.
Across all divisions, creativity plays a major role. Participants can compete in Best Presentation, highlighting imaginative displays or “homes” for their snails—while the snails themselves must remain undecorated—as well as Best Named and Best Dressed Snail Handler.
Participants may bring their own snail, provided it is healthy and able to move on its own, or receive one at check-in on race day. While snails cannot be decorated, racers are encouraged to get creative with their snail’s “delivery vehicle,” from simple shoeboxes to elaborate themed designs.
Participants will receive race details, including assigned heat times, via email the day before the event.
A race built on respect and learning
While the event is built around fun, organizers emphasize that the Great Folsom Snail Race is also designed to be humane and educational.
The event’s goals include helping children learn about snails and their role in the ecosystem, teaching kindness and empathy toward animals, and ensuring that no snail is harmed or stressed for the sake of competition.
All snails will be kept in cool, moist containers with appropriate shelter prior to the race and will be returned to their original collection sites immediately afterward.
Participants must follow strict handling guidelines, including washing hands before and after contact and handling snails gently at all times. Any attempt to influence a snail’s movement—such as squeezing, prodding, poking, tapping or blowing on it—is strictly prohibited.
If a snail retracts into its shell and remains there, it is considered “retired from the race,” reinforcing that the animal’s well-being comes first. Each snail is placed only once per race.
Race conditions are carefully controlled, with competitions held on stable, moist surfaces in shaded areas protected from direct sun and wind. Races last no more than three to five minutes, and a small piece of lettuce may be used as a gentle, natural incentive.
Participants are encouraged to observe differences in snail behavior, learning that each snail responds differently to its environment. The focus remains on observation, respect and care.
As the countdown to Folsom’s 80th birthday celebration continues, organizers say there is still time to get involved and be part of a tradition that brings the community together in a uniquely Folsom way.
Those interested in participating in the Great Folsom Snail Race can register at the following link:
https://webtrac.folsom.ca.us/webtrac/web/search.html?Action=Start&SubAction=&module=global&keyword=590000
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