Updated Aug. 15, 5:22 p.m.–
Looking for some local events to attend in Citrus Heights? With crab feeds kicking off each year at the community center, followed by outdoor events in the summer and the Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony at city hall in the winter, there’s something going on every month of the year in Citrus Heights.
Here’s a list of 20 top annual events in town, organized by month:
1.) DART Crab Feed. Typically held each January at the Citrus Heights Community Center, the annual crab feed raises funds for the Sacramento Drowning Accident Rescue Team.
2.) Rotary Club Crab Feed. Held each February at the Citrus Heights Community Center, the popular crab feed typically sells out early.
3.) Marching Band Spaghetti Feed. Held in March each year at the Community Center, the Citrus Heights Marching Band’s annual spaghetti feed helps raise funds to keep the nonprofit band going.
4.) Kiwanis Easter Egg Hunt. Typically held on a Saturday in March or April preceding Easter, the annual Kiwanis Club Easter Egg Hunt is a popular attraction for kids and families at Rusch Park.
5.) Pet-A-Palooza. Held each April at Rusch Park, the annual pet-centered event draws 6,000 to 10,000 people to Citrus Heights.
6.) Taste of Citrus Heights. Hosted by the GFWC Citrus Heights Women’s club at the Community Center for the first time in 2017, the event featured food and beverage samples from more than 20 local vendors and helped raise funds for a police program. The women’s club announced plans to continue the event annually, with a 2018 date set for April 27.
7.) Senior Health Fair. Held on the third Thursday in May each year at the community center, the annual Senior Health Fair is put on by the Sunrise Old Auburn Road Neighborhood Association and features free exhibits, workshops, health screenings, and other activities.
8.) Red, White, and Blue Parade. Held on the final Saturday in June each year, the city’s popular parade draw thousands out to Sunrise Boulevard. The parade begins just north of Madison Avenue and concludes in front of Sunrise Mall.
9.) Community Camp Out. Held on a Saturday and Sunday in July each year, the annual camp out draws about 200 campers to Rusch Park for an overnight, activity-filled event.
10.) Police Motorcycle Competition & Traffic Safety Fair. Held annually in July or August in the Sunrise Mall parking lot, the Citrus Heights police motorcycle competition draws dozens of law enforcement officers from the western states to compete in various obstacle courses and challenges. The event also features a traffic safety fair and activities for kids.
11.) Soroptimist Brewfest. Held in August at the Rusch Home on Antelope Road, the Citrus Heights Soroptomist Club’s Brewfest features craft beer and wine tasting, along with local specialty foods.
12.) Hot August Bites. Held in August at Rusch Park each year, Hot August Bites features food trucks, a car show, beer garden, and more.
13.) Sunday Funday. Held each September at Rusch Park, Sunday Funday features kids activities, K-9 demo’s, pony rides, and more. The 2017 event is scheduled for September 24.
14.) Battle of the Bands and BBQ. Held each October outside the Rusch Home since 2015, the annual event is hosted by the American Legion Post 637 and benefits a local veterans program. The event features competitions between various barbecue vendors and live bands. The 2017 event is scheduled for October 7.
15.) Antelope Crossing Spooktacular. Held in October each year at the shopping center near Antelope Road and Interstate 80, the annual Spooktacular event features an array of kids activities and inflatables, vendor booths, and giveaways.
16.) Chili Cook-off Car Show. Held in October each year in the Citrus Heights Lowe’s parking lot, the annual cook off began in 2011 and features a car show, vendor booths, and a chili competition. The event is hosted by the GFWC Citrus Heights Women’s Club and benefits children who have experienced domestic violence. The 2017 event is scheduled for October 7.
17.) Howl-O-Ween Parade & Harvest Festival. Held in October each year, the parade travels along Auburn Boulevard from Twin Oaks to Rusch Park, concluding with a harvest festival in the park. The event is hosted by the Citrus Heights Community Marching Band. The 2017 event is scheduled for October 21.
18.) Veterans Day Ceremony. Held on November 11 each year at Sylvan Cemetery, the annual Veterans Day Ceremony is held to honor those who served in the armed forces.
19.) Christmas Tree Lighting. Held each December in front of the Citrus Heights City Hall, the annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony draws hundreds to watch as the city’s tree is lit each year. The countdown ceremony is typically followed by train rides, photos with Santa, and other activities for kids.
20.) Capitol Pops Winter Concert. Held in December at Rusch Park, the Citrus Heights-based Capitol Pops Concert Band performs its annual Winter Concert in the Rusch Park Gym. The 2017 event will be held on December 2.
In addition to these annual events, there’s outdoor summer movies at the Citrus Town Center, various craft fairs in the fall, weekly farmers markets behind Sunrise Mall, and more. Subscribe to The Sentinel’s Weekend e-Edition to read more about local events and see a list of the week’s upcoming events each Sunday.
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