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Tag: Marty Buell

Q&A: Why wasn’t Pet-a-Palooza held in Citrus Heights this year?

File photo, a dog races through a “doggie fun zone” obstacle course during Pet-a-Palooza 2014 at Rusch Park. // CH Sentinel

Sentinel staff report–
For years, the end of April meant thousands of pets and people would flood Rusch Park for the annual Pet-a-Palooza festivities. But this year, nothing happened.

Asked what happened to what had long-been one of Citrus Heights’ largest and most popular events each year, Sunrise Recreation and Parks Senior Recreation Services Manager Marty Buell said the event’s organizers had decided to run “a much smaller scaled event” at William Land Park in Sacramento, which was held on March 25 of this year. He said the change in plans came after CBS Radio, who organized the event in the past, was taken over by Bonneville Communications towards the end of last year.

A phone message left with Bonneville Sacramento was not returned on Friday, but the organization’s website indicates the company took over operation of four radio stations in the Sacramento area on Nov. 1, 2017, which were previously operated by CBS Radio. The Colorado-based company is owned by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, whose local media arm has a mission to provide “thoughtful, informative, and positive programming.”

Bonneville Sacramento’s website also states it has a goal to provide “a personal touch” with their audience through providing family friendly events, among which Pet-a-Palooza is listed.

So will Pet-a-Palooza be back in Citrus Heights next year? Or is it gone for good.

Sunrise Parks District Administrator Dave Mitchell told The Sentinel on Friday that the possibility has been left open for the event to return to Rusch Park in 2019, but said nothing had been discussed with Bonneville at this point. “They just needed to cut some of their costs, so they were going to downsize their event somewhat and move it to Land Park,” he said, implying that circumstances could change next year.

The free event annually drew headliner performances on stage with popular singers, as well as pet-friendly activities, vendor booths, and inflatables for children. It also attracted upwards of 10,000 attendees to Rusch Park in prior years, according to estimates from the park district.

“Pet-a-Palooza has been fabulous here in Citrus Heights,” said Mitchell. “We would love to have it back.”

Should Pet-a-Palooza return to Citrus Heights? Click here to have your thoughts published in a letter to the editor.

May 6, 2018
‘Hot August Bites’ event set for Aug. 13 at Rusch Park

A photo of classic cars during the 2015 Hot August Bites event at Rusch Park. Photo provided by Michele Saario

Live music, food trucks, and a classic car show are on schedule for the 3rd annual “Hot August Bites” event this month in Citrus Heights, with organizers inviting folks to bring the family and a lawn chair out to Rusch Park for an evening of fun.

“We are definitely looking forward to the Hot August Bites event,” said Sunrise Recreation & Parks Manager Marty Buell, highlighting this year’s new addition of a beer and wine garden. He said the Saturday event will also feature bounce houses for the kids and free swim at the pool.

The free four-hour event is scheduled from 4 to 8 p.m. on Aug. 13, with set-up for the classic car show beginning at 2 p.m. The annual car show is presented by Autos for Alzheimer’s and features vehicles from 1975 or older, with last year’s show attracting about 150 car entries, according to Buell.

Thousands of dollars in raffle prizes will also be offered, with proceeds going to support the Alzheimer’s Association.

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For those curious about the “Bites” aspect of the usual “Hot August Nights,” Event and Community Center Technician Michele Saario previously told The Sentinel the term came about due to the popularity of the park’s food truck events in the past. She said a decision was made to merge a car show and food truck event to form the first “Hot August Bites” in 2014.

Hot August Bites is sponsored several businesses and organizations, including Consolidated Communications, the City of Citrus Heights, and the park district.

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Event info:
HotAugustBites.pdf
2016 Hot August Bites
Saturday, Aug. 13
4 – 8p.m. @ Rusch Park
7801 Auburn Blvd.

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August 6, 2016
Event: Pet-a-Palooza 2016 coming to Rusch Park in April

File photo, a dog races through a “doggie fun zone” obstacle course during Pet-a-Palooza 2014 at Rusch Park. // CH Sentinel

Thousands of dogs, and people, will once again take over Rusch Park in Citrus Heights this April for what organizers call “Sacramento’s biggest free pet event.”

The annual event is sponsored by CBS Radio and the Sunrise Recreation and Park District, with 2016’s event scheduled for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 23, according to Recreation Services Manager Marty Buell.

[Update: American Idol star & Matt Nathanson to perform at Pet-a-Palooza 2016]

Although specifics have yet to be announced, the event typically features obstacle courses, activities, on-site food, and more — along with activities for the whole family, like inflatable jump houses, slides, face painting, and climbing walls. Last year’s event also featured live music from Colbie Caillat and Katy Tiz, but Buell said CBS Radio hasn’t publicized this year’s live performances at this point.

Pet-a-Palooza events at Rusch Park have drawn 7500 to 10,000 people in the past, according to the park district, although estimates are difficult to determine due to the free event not requiring attendees to check in or purchase tickets.

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Rusch Park is located at 7801 Auburn Blvd., in Citrus Heights.

March 10, 2016
Pet-a-Palooza 2015 coming to Rusch Park April 25

File photo, a dog races through a “doggie fun zone” obstacle course during Pet-a-Palooza 2014 at Rusch Park. // CH Sentinel

Updated April 6, 12:49 p.m.–
Thousands of dogs, and people, will again be coming to Rusch Park for what organizers are calling “Sacramento’s biggest free pet event,” filled with obstacle courses and splash areas for dogs, as well as on-site food and a “beer garden” for humans.

Sponsored by CBS Radio and the Sunrise Recreation and Park District, the 2015 event is scheduled for Saturday, April 25, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and will feature live music from Colbie Caillat and Katy Tiz this year.

The annual Pet-a-Palooza event also promises to be kid-friendly, with a special area for inflatable jump houses, slides, face painting and a rock wall – along with vendor areas for local pet stores, veterinarians, and rescue groups. Pets will be available for adoption as well, according to a promotional webpage for the event.

[Like Citrus Heights events? Check out what else is coming to Rusch Park this year: “Events: contests, concerts & camping coming to Rusch Park“]

According to park district Recreation Services Manager Marty Buell, Pet-a-Palooza was first held at Rusch Park five years ago and currently draws about 7,500 to 10,000 attendees each year.

Last year’s event included a K-9 demonstration by the Citrus Heights Police Department, as well as a popular “Splash Dogs” competition which featured a 40-foot-long pool with a platform for dogs to take a flying leap.

[Watch 2014 video: “Splash competition: small dog hesitates before jump into big pool”

Rusch Park is located at 7801 Auburn Blvd. in Citrus Heights, and organizers remind pet owners to have current licenses and vaccinations. Leashes will also be required for all pets.

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April 6, 2015