Prior to Thursday night’s Summer Twilight Concert Series at the Zittel Family Amphitheater in Historic Folsom, the Folsom Historic District Association announced and recognized the winners of the recent 6th Annual Folsom Hometown Parade that took place on June 29. The naming of the winners routinely takes place during the first Thursday concert following the parade each year. With last week’s concert canceled due to heat, the ceremonial affair took place this Thursday before AKA Live took to the stage.
This year, awards were presented for four different categories among the entrants. Those included the Most Unique, the Best of Folsom, the Committee’s Choice Award, and the Grand Marshal Award.
Taking home the trophy for the Most Unique category this year was claimed by Sheila Timmons of Folsom’s Lyon Real Estate for their entry. The Best of Folsom Award went to Santa’s Cottage, created by Bacchus House and its many volunteers to showcase the magic of Christmas in the community. The Committee’s Choice Award was won by Folsom’s Sutter Street Theatre. The Grand Marshal’s Choice was awarded to the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary.
Top photo: Santa’s Cottage, Best of Folsom Winner *Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary, Grand Marshal’s Choice Winner was not present
The 2024 Folsom Hometown Parade entertained one of the largest crowds in its six-year history. The event kicks off a patriotic week in the community of Folsom, culminating with the Folsom Pro Rodeo surrounding Independence Day.
With some 70 entries, the parade featured both returning favorites and new additions, including mini donkeys from the Folsom Zoo, Santa’s Cottage, roller-skating cowboys, the Painted Ladies precision equestrian team, and a summertime sample of the Historic District’s popular holiday ice rink. Numerous local participants represented service clubs, youth groups, and local entertainers.
This year’s wave of red, white, and blue made its way down Sutter Street on June 29, beginning with the Color Guard leading the convoy of nearly 70 different entries. Folsom’s own Jessica Visconti did the honors of presenting the National Anthem this year as she made her way by vehicle down the street in the early moments of the event. From there, it was a menagerie of various entertainment, floats, bands, and more, many of which were put together by local service organizations, businesses, youth groups, and individuals.
Members of Folsom’s City Council and various city and county leaders made their way down the street, each escorted aboard beautifully restored vehicles, which were just a few of many impressive cars and trucks in the parade this year. The entries even included a bit of Folsom’s Christmas magic this year, with Santa’s Cottage, put together by Bacchus House Bistro, giving spectators a preview of what’s to come when the holiday season arrives in the district.
Longtime Folsom pastor and resident Brad Franklin served as the Grand Marshal of this year’s parade. Franklin retired in October after 36 years as the founding and lead pastor of Lakeside Church. He was followed by a float carrying members of the Lakeside music team, who played live music along the route. Kristen Brown, a leading competitor on “The Voice” in 2023, sang “America the Beautiful” to open the parade, and Jessica Visconti of the Visconti’s Ristorante family performed the National Anthem.
Franklin expressed his honor and excitement at being named Grand Marshal, sharing, “I love that our growing city still feels like a small town. I love the way people connect and serve in our city, and I love that our churches get to be a part of that.” Franklin, who lives in Folsom’s Historic District with his wife and pastoral partner, Donna, shared his signature phrase: “‘Love your neighbor’ expands to ‘love your neighborhood,’ which expands to ‘love your community.’”
The Historic Folsom Hometown Parade was a successful celebration of community, patriotism, and local spirit, leaving attendees eagerly anticipating next year’s festivities. Those who missed it can see all the photos of the event here.
The Historic Folsom Hometown Parade was a successful celebration of community, patriotism, and local spirit, leaving attendees eagerly anticipating next year’s festivities.
Those that missed it can see all the photos of the event below. This year, Folsom Times teamed with area businesses to livestream the event in its entirely for those that were unable to see it in person. A video of that broadcast can be enjoyed below
