From historic race return to live performances, cake, zoo experiences and dunk tank fun, the city is ready to celebrate with community
Somewhere in Folsom tonight, a handful of snails are unknowingly preparing for their shot at becoming champions.
By this time tomorrow, one of them will be making a slow but triumphant journey toward a towering trophy recently previewed by Mayor Justin Raithel—an eye-catching prize that has quickly become one of the most talked-about symbols of the Great Folsom Snail Race’s long-awaited return.
And if the mayor is right, the excitement surrounding it is already impossible to miss.
“The excitement is building for the return of the Great Folsom Snail Race,” Raithel said, describing the growing energy across the community as the city prepares to celebrate its 80th birthday. “Our elementary school champions are ready to take on business leaders and residents from across Folsom to see who goes home with the Grand Champion trophy.”
That buildup has been weeks in the making, fueled by school races across the Folsom Cordova Unified School District and a wave of anticipation leading into Saturday’s main event, which takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Folsom City Lions Park and the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary.
At the heart of it all is the return of the Great Folsom Snail Race, a quirky tradition first launched in 1981 that became a defining piece of Folsom’s community identity throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Now revived as part of the city’s milestone anniversary, the race once again invites competitors of all ages to test their patience, creativity and a little bit of luck.
Throughout the day, snails will compete in youth, general and business divisions, advancing through heats and rounds as racers chase prizes, bragging rights and that Grand Champion trophy. Alongside the races, additional contests—including Best Presentation, Best Named and Best Dressed Snail Handler—will showcase creativity, personality and community spirit.
But as Raithel made clear, the race is only part of the experience.
“Along with the race, we have quite the party planned,” he said. “Lots of games, food trucks, street performers, dance performances, a dunk tank and cake.”
That party will unfold across Lions Park with a steady flow of activity beginning shortly after the event opens. At 10:30 a.m., the main stage will kick off with an introduction to the day’s performance schedule, setting the tone for a lineup of rotating entertainment that continues throughout the celebration.
By 10:55 a.m., the stage will host a presentation featuring Congressman Kevin Kiley and Mayor Justin Raithel, bringing a moment of civic recognition into the day’s festivities.
At 11:30 a.m., the celebration reaches one of its most symbolic moments with a community-wide “Happy Birthday” singing, followed by presentations from Senator Roger Niello and Assemblyman Josh Hoover. Immediately following the singing, attendees will be invited to the Dessert Walk table, where complimentary birthday cake will be served as part of the city’s milestone celebration.
Later in the afternoon at 1 p.m., the president of the Folsom Athletic Association will deliver remarks, highlighting the organization’s role in the community and its connection to the event’s youth programming.
In between those scheduled moments, performances will take place throughout the day, featuring a diverse lineup that includes Sutter Street Theatre, Lit N’ Fit, Leighton Dance Project, Hawkins School of Performing Arts, Adhya Shrestha, Flipside, Farley Court and Michael Sean Miller—ensuring there is always something happening on stage.
Beyond the stage, one of the most interactive attractions of the day will be the Dessert Walk itself, a lively game that runs in timed rounds beginning at 10:30 a.m. and continuing at 11 a.m., 11:30 a.m., noon, 12:30 p.m., 1 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. Participants will move around a numbered circle as music plays, then quickly claim a spot when it stops. Three numbers are selected each round, and those standing on them win desserts, which can later be picked up at the Folsom Public Library.
Meanwhile, the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary will open even earlier, welcoming visitors from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with free admission for children 12 and under available to the first 500 youth guests when accompanied by a paid adult. Throughout the zoo, docents will be stationed at locations including the Canid Patio, Bear Deck and near the Reptile House, offering biofact tables and educational experiences between 9 and 11 a.m. and again from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Back in the park, train rides, carnival-style games, interactive booths and food trucks will fill the grounds, creating a full festival atmosphere for families and visitors.
Adding to the excitement—and likely drawing some of the loudest cheers of the day—will be the Leadership Folsom dunk tank fundraiser. Throughout the event, local leaders and community figures will rotate through the hot seat, giving attendees the chance to send them splashing into the tank in support of improvements to the zoo sanctuary.
Among those scheduled to take part are Mayor Justin Raithel, Police Chief Adam Green, Lt. Lou Wright, Assistant Fire Chief Brian Beck, Folsom High School Principal Howard Cadenhead, Jim Snook of Snook’s Candies & Chocolate Factory, Taryn Grows of Uncle Charlie’s Firehouse & Brew and Choose Folsom Ambassador Chair Reese Punter.
For Raithel, the goal is simple.
“Make a day of it and enjoy the zoo after the party,” he said, encouraging residents to take in everything the celebration has to offer.
Saturday’s event marks a milestone that traces back to 1946, when Folsom officially incorporated following a 285-168 vote. From its early days as a Gold Rush settlement and railroad hub to its evolution into a thriving modern city, Folsom has spent eight decades building a strong sense of community—something organizers say this celebration is meant to highlight.
And as the city prepares to mark that moment, one thing is certain.
Somewhere among the competitors, one snail will slowly, steadily make its way to the finish—and claim a championship that has been decades in the making.
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