About 32 tables stretched along the street and into nearby courts, giving organizations room to interact with visitors.

 

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - About 500 people gathered near the American River Parkway on Sept. 20 for the sixth annual Family Fall Fest, an afternoon of wildlife, music, food and family activities rooted in a larger effort to protect land along the Lower American River.

Hosted by Preserve the American River and the nonprofit Save the American River Association (SARA) the free festival stretched along Stirling Park Drive near the entrance to River Bend Park. Organizers estimated attendance was slightly higher than last year and above the roughly 400 people who have typically attended in previous years.

“It felt great. People were having a lot of fun,” said Brenda Gustin, vice president of SARA. “As I walked around, people were really engaged.”

Two boys got an up-close look at local wildlife as they held a snake during the Family Fall Fest.

About 32 tables stretched along the street and into nearby courts, giving organizations room to interact with visitors without making the event feel crowded, Gustin said.

The afternoon included live music, wildlife education, nature walks, children’s activities and a free lunch prepared and served by the Cordova High School Culinary Academy. The academy has participated since the festival began.

“They’ve been doing such a beautiful job for us,” Gustin said. “They are friendly, and people really enjoy talking with them.”

The festival program also included performances by Lisa Phenix & Friends and the Campfire Crooners, a live bird presentation, a taekwondo demonstration from Kang’s United Arts College and guided nature walks. Children could participate in a Nature Quest, make pine cone bird feeders, watch puppet shows and take part in activities with local Scout groups.

Children gathered to watch a puppet show during the sixth annual Family Fall Fest on Sept. 20.

More than entertainment, however, the festival was created to draw attention to the natural area at the end of the neighborhood and the groups working to protect the American River and its wildlife.

The effort traces back to concerns surrounding the former Kassis property, a 41-acre parcel adjacent to the American River Parkway. Residents became involved after learning about plans to develop the property and began attending public meetings and organizing around the issue. Preserve the American River grew out of that neighborhood involvement, with guidance and support from SARA.

Gustin said organizers eventually decided one of the best ways to build awareness was simply to invite people into the neighborhood and show them what was there.

The festival has grown alongside advocacy, bringing environmental organizations together with schools, Scouts, community groups and residents.

“Being on the street, in the neighborhood, with so many people doing things for the American River, it’s really amazing,” Gustin said. “We are raising awareness for all the different groups who care about the river and the wildlife.”

Today, the entire 41-acre Kassis property is for sale, creating what the organizations see as an opportunity to permanently conserve the land. Current preservation materials describe the parcel as part of a wildlife corridor adjacent to the Parkway and say conservation efforts are focused on protecting its riparian habitat and open space. SARA is also seeking donations to help with acquisition-related costs and continued protection efforts.

Gustin said the neighborhood has not opposed all development of the property but has focused its concerns on protecting the lower portion near the river and designated floodway.

The festival has grown alongside that advocacy, bringing environmental organizations together with schools, Scouts, community groups and residents. This year’s program listed dozens of participating exhibitors and sponsors, including the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Sacramento Bird Alliance, Sacramento Children’s Museum, Save the Snakes and several river and habitat organizations.

The afternoon included live music, wildlife education, nature walks, children’s activities and a free lunch.

SARA has advocated for the Lower American River and Parkway since its founding in 1961. The organization’s stated mission is to protect and enhance the Parkway’s wildlife habitat, fishery and recreational resources.

For Gustin, the Family Fall Fest provides another way to connect that decades-long work with the people who live near and use the river today.

“It’s a sweet event,” Gustin said. “That’s why it was formed.”

Gustin credited event coordinator Jessica Ocenosak and her team, along with neighbors from Tiffany Farms, for helping make the festival possible. She also recognized Helen Whelan-Bashaw, Cathy Birth, Carl Salmonsen and the Campfire Crooners, Lisa Phenix & Friends and the many volunteers and organizations that contributed to the event.

Gustin encouraged residents interested in the river to learn more about the organizations working along the Parkway and to stay involved in decisions affecting it.

“We have a voice,” she said. “We like to hear from citizens that care.”