Halloween spirit filled the sidewalks along Sutter Street and others nearby in Historic Folsom on Saturday as the annual “Festifall” event attracted thousands to the city’s historic district. Families and children, decked out in costumes ranging from superheroes to spooky creatures, took part in an afternoon packed with fun and safe activities leading up to Halloween.
The event spanned three solid hours, transforming the charming streets of Sutter and the surrounding areas into a bustling hub of excitement. Local merchants participated in a festive Candy Crawl, handing out treats to eager trick-or-treaters. Nearly every business along the district joined the celebration, and several shop owners donned costumes to match the spirited visitors.
Along with trick-or-treating, there were inflatables and games, adding to the festive atmosphere. These activities, set up at the corner of Wool and Sutter Street, were sponsored by Bayside Church of Folsom. Their partnership with the Historic District ensured a lively and secure event for families enjoying a weekend of fall festivities.
The entertainment continued on the Zittel Family Amphitheater stage, where Cynthia’s Dance Center delivered a special performance of “A Story of Peter Pan” at 4 p.m. The dancers’ enchanting showcase was followed by the ever-popular Kids Halloween Costume Contest at 4:30 p.m. Little ones (and even some enthusiastic adults) took to the stage to display their creative costumes, hoping to take home a prize.
The event drew an enthusiastic crowd, with parents cheering on participants and taking photos of their little ghouls, princesses, and superheroes. ©Folsom Times, All Town Media LLC
The success of this year’s Festifall continues a long-standing tradition of pre-Halloween excitement in Folsom. The combination of activities, candy, and community made it a memorable event for families and visitors alike who visit the district, bringing shoppers to the many merchants all at the same time.
“Sales have been good today, there have been lots kids and families walking the street,” said Jim Metzker of Dorothea’s Shoppe on Sutter Street. While the shop specializes in Christmas items year round, it’s not the only holiday they have unique gifts for with plenty of Halloween and Day of the Dead items as well. “It was a good sized crowd that allowed parents an opportunity to shop as well as let the kids trick or treat.
With Festifall in the books, Folsom residents now eagerly look ahead to Halloween night, with this past weekend’s celebration serving as one of many in the days ahead of Halloween. Other upcoming events include Trunk or Treat on Sunday between 5-7pm at Bayside Church , followed by Folsom Palladio’s safe Trick or Treat event on Monday from 5 to 6 pm. Up the hill at Red Hawk Resort Casino, the Apex is also offering fun kid friendly Halloween activies daily through Oct. 31.
Folsom Times photos by Adam Frick