By Sara Beth Williams–
The Sunrise Recreation and Park District marked a major milestone of 75 years with a community jubilee event on Oct. 4 that filled Rusch Park with music and lights, while highlighting local history.
The event brought together hundreds of residents for an evening of festivities that included two live bands, Apple Z and Aeromyth, a car show, food trucks, more than 50 vendors, and a fireworks display to cap off the night.
“The event was phenomenal, and we’ve had so much wonderful feedback,” said Tori Thorpe, Senior Recreation Coordinator with the Sunrise Recreation and Park District. “People were telling us that day, how much they enjoyed it, and others have been walking into the office afterward just to say how great it was.”
Thorpe said the fireworks were among the most memorable moments of the evening. Produced by the same vendor who coordinated Citrus Heights’ annual Stars and Stripes show, the display lasted for 20 minutes and could be seen in the adjacent neighborhoods.
“It felt like you were right there in it,” Thorpe said. “Everything went so perfectly. We didn’t have one issue. It was special to see everyone come together for this.”
An estimated number of attendees for the event was not yet available as of Friday, Oct. 10.
Adding to the evening’s nostalgic spirit, the Citrus Heights Historical Society opened the doors of the historic Rusch Home and Gardens for guided tours during the celebration.
“We had about 45 to 50 people go through the home,” said Larry Fritz, president of the Historical Society. “It went really well. The people who came through were very interested in the history of the home.”
The Rusch Home, one of Citrus Heights’ most recognized landmarks, served as a window into the city’s past for families and visitors who stopped by before dusk. The society kept the home open between 4 and 6 p.m.
“Usually during Sunday Funday we get over 100 people,” Fritz said, adding that visitors stayed longer than they have in the past.
While the fireworks display resulted in some complaints from residents in different neighborhood groups online, most residents posting on social media praised the quality of the display and the overall event. Thorpe said the district received a couple of emails asking why fireworks were being discharged in October, but overall, the response the district has received was positive.
Many residents also noted that several local groups online had made the effort to advertise about the event, including a notice about the fireworks display.
