One-Night-Only Cattle Drive to Honor America 250, Folsom’s 80th Anniversary and the 65th Folsom Pro Rodeo
For one evening this summer, Historic Folsom will step back into its western roots as cattle once again make their way down Sutter Street in a rare spectacle that organizers say may never be repeated.
The Folsom Historic District Association is inviting residents and visitors to gather in Historic Folsom on Wednesday, July 1, for the annual Historic Folsom Hometown Parade and the special return of the community’s beloved cattle drive, an event being brought back for one night only to commemorate three major milestones in 2026.
The celebration will honor the 250th anniversary of the United States, the 80th anniversary of the City of Folsom and the 65th anniversary of the Folsom Pro Rodeo, creating what organizers describe as a uniquely Folsom evening that blends hometown traditions, western heritage and community pride.
The festivities begin at 7 p.m. with the Historic Folsom Hometown Parade, presented by Shriners Children’s. The parade will travel along Sutter Street from Coloma Street to Reading Street, bringing together local organizations, community groups, colorful floats, marching bands and residents from across the region.
Then, as the sun begins to set over Historic Folsom, approximately 50 head of cattle, including Texas Longhorns, will make their way down Sutter Street in a carefully managed cattle drive guided by experienced riders.
Unlike the high-speed cattle runs often portrayed in movies, organizers emphasize that the animals will be calmly driven through the district, creating a safe and family-friendly experience while offering a rare glimpse into the western traditions that helped shape the region’s history.
For many residents, the return of the cattle drive is expected to be one of the most memorable moments of the summer.
The event serves as a symbolic bridge between Folsom’s past and present, celebrating the ranching heritage that once defined much of the area while marking the city’s continued growth into one of Northern California’s most vibrant communities.
The cattle drive also serves as an unofficial kickoff to the 65th annual Folsom Pro Rodeo, which begins the following day and continues through the Fourth of July holiday weekend.
Throughout the evening, spectators can expect plenty of opportunities to interact with parade participants while enjoying the festive atmosphere that has made the Historic Folsom Hometown Parade one of the city’s most enduring traditions.
This year’s parade will also introduce an expanded announcing experience designed to give spectators a closer connection to the participants traveling the route.
For the first time, announcers will be stationed throughout Sutter Street, sharing information about parade entries and helping keep the crowd engaged from beginning to end.
Former Sacramento County Sheriff John McGinness and longtime resident John Felts will serve as announcers on the 700 block of Sutter Street. Returning crowd favorites Ian Cornell and Bryan Greenwalt will once again provide commentary from the 600 and 800 blocks, while Alicia Wilson joins the announcing team this year on the 900 block.
Organizers say the enhanced announcing locations will help visitors better understand the parade entries while adding another layer of excitement to the celebration.
To make attendance easier and reduce traffic congestion, Sacramento Regional Transit is partnering with event organizers to offer free Gold Line light rail rides between 3 p.m. and 10 p.m. on July 1 for those attending the parade and cattle drive.
Passengers can receive complimentary rides by showing a photo of the event poster or postcard along with the event QR code when boarding.
The Gold Line provides direct access to Historic Folsom Station, placing riders just steps away from the festivities. Trains are scheduled to arrive approximately every 15 to 30 minutes throughout the evening.
Additional incentives are being offered to encourage the use of public transit.
Riders boarding at Iron Point Station between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. will receive a complimentary gift from Folsom Premium Outlets, while those arriving at Historic Folsom Station will receive free flags and bracelets while supplies last.
For those choosing to drive, organizers caution that parking will become increasingly limited after 3 p.m. due to road closures and event operations. Available parking options include the 905 Leidesdorff Garage, where a $5 donation is requested between 3 p.m. and 10 p.m., as well as public lots on Sutter Street, Traders Lane, Reading Street and Folsom Boulevard. Additional parking will be available near Karen’s Bakery and at the Rodeo Grounds with access to the Johnny Cash Trail.
Visitors are encouraged to arrive early, carpool, use ride-sharing services or take advantage of the free light rail transportation whenever possible.
As Folsom continues celebrating its 80th anniversary throughout 2026, the July 1 festivities are expected to serve as one of the year’s signature community gatherings.
With a hometown parade, a rare cattle drive, the opening of rodeo week and a community-wide celebration of American and local history, Historic Folsom is preparing for an evening that promises to bring generations together while creating memories that will last long after the cattle leave Sutter Street.
For more information, visit Historic Folsom’s website at historicfolsom.org.
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