Family games, charity dunk tank and Great Snail Race highlight upcoming 80th anniversary celebration
Snail racing mania is already underway across Folsom and Rancho Cordova, as city leaders and local school administrators have teamed up with the Folsom Cordova Unified School District to bring the beloved tradition to campuses ahead of this weekend’s return of the Great Folsom Snail Race.
The latest school-based race took place Thursday at Blanche Sprentz Elementary School, where students gathered alongside city leaders to cheer on their gastropod competitors in a spirited preview of Saturday’s main event. With laughter and excitement filling the campus, students watched as snails slowly climbed their race poles in friendly competition, getting a hands-on introduction to one of Folsom’s most unique traditions.
Thursday’s event was just the latest in a growing series of school races leading up to the citywide celebration. Mangini Ranch Elementary hosted its own races last week during recess, while additional events have taken place and are continuing this week at schools including Cordova Gardens and Riverview STEM. Rancho Cordova Elementary is also set to host races, bringing the experience to even more students across the district.
The school events are designed to build excitement while also introducing students to the educational and humane principles behind the races, giving them an early opportunity to participate before Saturday’s larger community gathering.
Those school-based gatherings are all building toward Folsom’s 80th birthday celebration on Saturday, May 9, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Folsom City Lions Park and the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary. The free, family-friendly event will feature a full day of entertainment, including live performances, train rides, carnival-style games, food trucks, a dessert walk and interactive booths hosted by community partners.
Children 12 and under will also have the opportunity for free admission to the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary, with the first 500 youth guests admitted at no cost.
At the center of the celebration is the return of the Great Folsom Snail Race, a quirky and beloved tradition that first launched in 1981 and quickly became a staple of community life throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Now revived as part of the city’s milestone anniversary, the race once again invites participants of all ages to enter their fastest—or slowest—snail for a chance at prizes and bragging rights.
Races will run throughout the day Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., beginning with preliminary heats and advancing through multiple rounds. Participants can enter in youth, general or business divisions, each offering a unique way to engage in the experience.
The youth division allows students in grades K–8 to compete in a fun and supportive environment, while the general entry division welcomes individuals and families. The business division brings a competitive twist, as local companies rally behind their entries in a spirited display of community pride.
In addition to race results, participants can compete in creative categories including Best Presentation, Best Named and Best Dressed Snail Handler, adding personality and imagination to the event.
All participants will receive a commemorative Snail Race T-shirt, and registration is $50, with proceeds benefiting the Folsom Athletic Association’s “Never in Our Town” Youth Assistance Program, which supports access to recreational sports for local youth.
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 snails themselves must remain undecorated, racers are encouraged to design creative “homes” or delivery setups for their competitors.
Beyond the competition, organizers emphasize that the event is built on a foundation of education and humane treatment. Snails are kept in cool, moist environments prior to races and returned to their natural habitats afterward. Strict handling rules are in place to ensure the animals are treated with care, and races are designed to be short and stress-free.
Leaders take the plunge for zoo fundraiser
Adding another layer of interactive fun to Saturday’s celebration, local leaders and community figures will take their turn in a charity dunk tank fundraiser, giving attendees the chance to take aim while supporting improvements at the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary.
Organized by Leadership Folsom, the dunk tank will run in 30-minute rotations throughout the event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with proceeds benefiting a campaign to revitalize the zoo sanctuary’s entrance and enhance the experience for families, students and visitors.
Those scheduled to take the plunge include Mayor Justin Raithel, Folsom Police Chief Adam Green, Folsom police Lt. Lou Wright, Folsom Fire Department Assistant Chief Brian Beck, Folsom High School Principal Howard Cadenhead, Snook’s Candies & Chocolate Factory owner Jim Snook, Uncle Charlie’s Firehouse & Brew owner Taryn Grows and Choose Folsom Ambassador Chair Reese Punter.
The fundraiser supports a broader effort to improve the zoo sanctuary, which serves as a safe haven for dozens of animals while providing a place for the community to connect with wildlife through education and hands-on experiences.
Community members can participate in the dunk tank fun at the event or support the campaign in advance by visitinghttps://folsomzoo.app.neoncrm.com/campaigns/39.
A milestone rooted in history
The broader celebration also marks a significant milestone in Folsom’s history. The city was officially incorporated in 1946 following a 285-168 vote, with Eugene Kerr serving as its first mayor. From its origins as a Gold Rush settlement known as Granite City and Negro Bar to its growth as a railroad hub following the arrival of the Sacramento Valley Railroad in 1856, Folsom has evolved into a thriving modern community.
As the countdown to Saturday continues, the early school races and added attractions like the dunk tank are helping build momentum and excitement, giving residents of all ages a chance to connect with a tradition that has been part of the city’s identity for generations.
Those interested in joining Saturday’s Great Folsom Snail Race can still register at:
https://webtrac.folsom.ca.us/webtrac/web/search.html?Action=Start&SubAction=&module=global&keyword=590000
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