Tradition of the past returns as centerpiece of city’s 80th birthday celebration May 9
Entries have officially opened for the 2026 Great Folsom Snail Race, marking the return of one of the city’s most unique and cherished traditions as part of Folsom’s 80th birthday celebration this May. Spots are limited and expected to fill quickly as families, kids, businesses and community members prepare to take part in a day that blends lighthearted competition with education, history and hometown pride.
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, creating an atmosphere that reflects the spirit of the community. Guests can expect live entertainment, train rides, classic carnival-style games and interactive booths hosted by local organizations, 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, making the event not only a celebration but an accessible day of family fun.
A milestone rooted in history
The 80th birthday celebration marks a significant milestone rooted in a deep and storied past. 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 and continuing to grow into the thriving community it is today—known for its historic district, Folsom Lake and ongoing development.
That legacy of growth and community pride is at the center of this year’s celebration, and few events capture that spirit quite like the return of the Great Folsom Snail Race.
A tradition crawls back to life
Originally launched in 1981—when Donkey Kong filled arcades and MTV had just begun broadcasting—the snail race quickly became a beloved tradition that brought together families, businesses and civic leaders for nearly two decades.
Now revived as part of 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 community 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, recreating the multi-stage competition that defined the event in its earlier years.
The competition includes youth, business and open divisions, offering opportunities for kids, families and local organizations to participate—and creating a spirited mix of friendly rivalry and community fun. In addition to race results, participants can compete in creative categories such as Best Presentation, Best Named and Best Dressed Snail Handler.
All participants will receive a commemorative Snail Race T-shirt just for entering, giving racers a keepsake to remember the day and their place in one of Folsom’s most unique traditions.
Registration for the race is $50, with proceeds supporting the Folsom Athletic Association’s “Never in Our Town” Youth Assistance Program, helping ensure that all youth have access to recreational sports opportunities in the community.
Three ways to race: youth, general and business divisions
For those interested in joining, the event offers clearly defined participation options across youth, business and general entry divisions, each designed to welcome a wide range of racers while maintaining the same fun, inclusive and educational experience.
The youth division is geared toward students in grades K–8, offering younger participants a chance to take part in the tradition in a supportive and engaging environment. It’s often one of the most energetic parts of the day, as kids cheer on their snails while learning firsthand about animal care, observation and patience.
The general entry division is open to individuals, families and groups looking to take part in the fun. This category creates a diverse field of racers and often leads to some of the most unpredictable and entertaining moments throughout the competition.
The business division adds a unique layer of community spirit and friendly rivalry, as local companies enter snails under their business name and rally behind their chosen competitor. It’s a division that blends creativity with community engagement, often drawing added attention and enthusiasm throughout the day.
Across all divisions, creativity plays a major role beyond the race itself. Participants can compete in Best Presentation, which highlights the most imaginative display or “home” for a snail—while strictly prohibiting any decoration of the snail itself—along with 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 the snails themselves cannot be decorated, racers are encouraged to get creative with their snail’s “delivery vehicle,” from simple shoeboxes to elaborate themed creations.
Each registered participant will receive a commemorative Snail Race T-shirt, and all entrants will be provided with detailed race information—including assigned heat times and event instructions—via email the day before the race.
But what truly sets the Great Folsom Snail Race apart is its carefully structured emphasis on humane treatment and education.
Organizers have made it clear that the event’s purpose is to be fun, humane and educational, with goals that 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 used in the event 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 always handling snails gently. Any attempt to influence a snail’s movement—whether by squeezing, prodding, poking, tapping, smashing, licking, hazing or even 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 before competition. Each snail is only placed 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 are limited to 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 behavior, learning that each snail responds differently to its environment. The message is simple: the snail doesn’t know it’s racing—it’s exploring—and it’s up to participants to keep it safe.
As Folsom celebrates 80 years since its incorporation, the return of the Great Folsom Snail Race reflects both the city’s history and its enduring sense of community. It’s a reminder that while Folsom has grown into a thriving modern city, it still knows how to come together, slow down and celebrate the moments that bring people closer together—one snail at a time, for a new generation.
Those interested in participating in the 2026 Great Folsom Snail Race can register here.
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.
