Clear skies and what could only be described as perfect weather welcomed an estimated 200 attendees to Beals Point on Easter morning for the 64th Annual Easter Sunrise Service, a long-running non-denominational tradition organized by the Williams family.
The event began promptly at 6 a.m., with the lakefront still dark as families and individuals settled into chairs or stood along the shore. As the service unfolded, the sun gradually rose over the Sierra foothills, casting light across a nearly full Folsom Lake and creating a scenic backdrop that many paused to take in between moments of song, scripture, and prayer.
Hosted annually since the early 1960s, the service was originally started by Jim “Digger” Williams and his wife Sharon after they discovered that a previous Easter service at the lake was no longer being held. Rather than return home, the couple stayed and held their own observance. That spontaneous moment later grew into a formal event they decided to share with the community. With the exception of a cancellation due to severe weather and another during the COVID-19 pandemic, the family has continued the tradition each year.
This year’s program followed a structured format blending music and spoken word, with participation from several members of the extended Williams family and invited presenters. The service opened with a music prelude featuring “The Easter Song,” followed by the hymn “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today,” sung by all in attendance.
Sharon Williams offered the official welcome to the crowd, continuing her role as the event’s founding presence. Nancy Williams led a moment of prayer that followed, and live music continued with a special performance of “You Are Unchanging.”
Scripture was read by Emilee Wernick, followed by another musical interlude, “Reign Above It All.” The Easter message was delivered by Dr. Cordero Soto, a longtime educator and adjunct professor at Jessup University. Soto spoke on themes of hope, renewal, and reflection appropriate for the occasion.
The service continued with a group hymn, “Nothing But the Blood of Jesus,” followed by another special music performance of “Remembrance.” Communion was then offered to those in attendance, set to the song “Revelation Song,” before the program concluded with the musical postlude “Alive.”
Attendees brought lawn chairs and blankets, while others stood along the lakeshore or arrived with leashed pets. Conditions were mild throughout the morning, making for a comfortable experience as the sun gradually warmed the gathering.
California State Parks continues to work with the Williams family to allow use of the Beals Point Recreation Area for the service. While a parking fee was introduced last year for the first time in decades, this year the toll booths remained closed and no fees were collected, allowing open access to all who wished to attend.
The event wrapped up with more music, worship, and a time of communion, bringing a meaningful close to a morning of reflection, renewal, and celebration.
The enduring popularity of the Beals Point Easter Sunrise Service reflects the connection it has fostered in Folsom and Granite Bay. For many, it remains the only service they attend each year, offering a rare opportunity to celebrate Easter surrounded by nature, tradition, and neighbors.
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.