Campers gather around a fire and listen to live music at Rusch Park, Saturday night.
Dozens of tents dotted the grass at Rusch Park this weekend, as the Citrus Heights Community Camp Out kicked off with live music, star-gazing, hot dogs and more, at the annual overnight event.
Drawing about 200 sign-ups from residents, camp organizers said they were happy with the turn-out, given competition from opening weekend at the nearby California State Fair.
The annual event is sponsored by the Sunrise Recreation and Park District, in collaboration with the City of Citrus Heights and the volunteer-led Residents’ Empowerment Association of Citrus Heights.
Residents’ are invited to bring their tents and camp out, without having to leave the city.
Called Citrus Heights’ “legitimate tent city,” the annual Community Camp Out plans to take over Rusch Park with an activity-filled overnight event that promises to be fun for the whole family.
“This is an opportunity for mom and/or dad, grandpa and/or grandma to take the kids camping and never leave the city,” said Tonya Wagner, president of the Residents’ Empowerment Association of Citrus Heights.
Beginning in 2001, the event has continued to bring the community together outdoors, with organizers’ saying last year’s event drew over 200 people to Rusch Park.
Campers can expect swimming, crafts, games, face-painting, balloons and entertainment — along with a dinner barbecue served by city council members. The evening will also feature a bonfire with s’mores, and star-gazing opportunities by the Sacramento Valley Astronomical Society members.
Following the overnight tent-stay, a “Campinental Breakfast” will be provided in the morning, with pancakes, eggs, sausage, fruit and beverages — for a fee of $6 for adults and $4 for kids.
The event is scheduled for July 12 and 13, with check-in beginning Saturday at 2 p.m. and continuing overnight until check-out time at 11 a.m. on Sunday. Wagner recommends registering early online or by calling (916) 725-1585, as spaces are limited.
The camp out is sponsored by the Sunrise Recreation and Park District, in collaboration with REACH and the City of Citrus Heights.
